Speak Your Truth Open Mic

Last week, The Kite presented “Speak Your Truth Open Mic,” hosted by Octavia Yearwood, Author and Motivational Speaker. There is an old saying that “courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen,” and that was exactly what happened when the youth in our Close to Home residences took the stage to speak their truth.

The open mic night is a culmination of the workshop series led by The Kite’s founder Gigi Blanchard, an activist and story-teller. Gigi has worked with the youth in the Close to Home program to help them find a voice and tell their story.

With a room full of supporters, the open mic started with Octavia introducing singer-songwriter Olamidae followed by our Close to Home youth presenting their poems. It was a safe space for our young people to express their feelings and share what is happening in the world today. It was nothing short of a beautiful night for everyone.

Thanks to Gigi Blanchard and The Kite, Octavia Yearwood, and Olamidae for hosting an incredible event for our Close to Home residents.