FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2026
Contact: Arleigh Savage – programs@heightsarts.org

Heights Poet Laureate, Michelle R. Smith, Launches Community Project: The Brave New Voices Poetry Showcase

Cleveland Heights, OH — Heights Poet Laureate Michelle R. Smith announces the launch of her community project, The Brave New Voices Poetry Showcase. This free, four-event series is designed to highlight emerging poets while fostering an inclusive, creative space for community expression. Its launch during National Poetry Month makes the moment even more meaningful, aligning the series with a time of nationwide recognition and appreciation for poetry.

The initiative is presented within the framework of the Heights Poet Laureateship, the longest-running Poet Laureateship in Ohio, which Heights Arts founded and continues to confer in partnership with the cities of Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

Inspired by the legacy of the Youth Speaks poetry and spoken word festival, Brave New Voices will bring together poets of all ages and backgrounds to share original work in welcoming, neighborhood settings across Cleveland Heights library branches. The series aims to amplify new voices and deepen community engagement through poetry.

“I’m so excited to announce the Brave New Voices Showcase,” says Smith. “There’s a lot of emerging talent in the poetry scene, and this platform will elevate their voices in a meaningful way. Come join us!”

The inaugural event will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Heights Library – Noble Branch. The evening will feature readings by Riley Fleming Gable, Damiana Jimenez, and Karim Ragab, followed by an open mic session open to participants of all ages.

Additional events in the series will continue throughout the year and into 2027 at Cleveland Heights Public Library branches, extending poetry into neighborhood spaces and inviting broader community participation:

• Event #1: Heights Library – Noble Branch  Wednesday, May 14 | 6:00–7:30 PM
  Featuring: Riley Fleming Gable, Damiana Jimenez, Karim Ragab
• Event #2: Heights Library – University Heights Branch  Sunday, August 9 | 2:00–3:30PM
  Featuring: Courtney L. Black, Deborah Taddeo, Rosie Warda
• Event #3: Heights Library – Coventry Branch  Thursday, November 12 | 6:00–7:30 PM
• Event #4: Heights Library – Lee Branch  Tuesday, April 6, 2027 | 7:00–8:30 PM

Each event will be hosted by Michelle R. Smith and includes featured performances followed by an open mic, creating an engaged and inspired space for both seasoned and first-time poets.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit heightsarts.org

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Founded in 2000, Heights Arts (www.heightsarts.org) is a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary arts organization whose mission is to cultivate a strong, diverse, and collaborative arts community by inspiring people of all ages to engage in the arts; supporting the arts through education; providing exhibition and performance opportunities; and fostering public appreciation for the arts.

Heights Arts is generously supported by funding from individuals, businesses, and organizations, including: City of Cleveland Heights; City of University Heights; Cuyahoga Arts & Culture; Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation; Ohio Arts Council;  Studio in a School; The Arthur E, Elsie G, and Betty M Kranz Family Foundation; The Jean, Harry, and Brenda Fuchs Family Foundation; The Peggy and John Garson Family Foundation; The William Bingham foundation; and WWMR Foundation.