our featured writers
Dwayne Morgan
DWAYNE MORGAN is a two-time Canadian national poetry slam champion. He began his career as a spoken word artist in 1993. In 1994, he founded Up From The Roots Entertainment to promote the positive artistic contributions of African Canadian and urban influenced artists. Morgan is the 2018 winner of the Sheri-D Wilson Golden Beret Award for Career Achievement in Spoken Word. In 2016, Morgan was a finalist for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. In 2013, Morgan was inducted to the Scarborough Walk of Fame. Morgan has received both the African Canadian Achievement Award, and the Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in the Arts.
Youth Writers, Bring Your Words!
Scarborough-born poet JOSHUA “SCRIBE” WATKIS has performed Spoken Word and Hip-Hop across Canada; opening for Hip-Hop legends like Saukrates and The Roots. He was a four-time finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, winning the national championship in 2019. Scribe has authored two chapbooks and was featured on the first Spoken Word Audiobook on Audible: Power In Poetry; Moods That Move. Most recently, he curated and hosted ‘The Old Black Maple’, for the NAC’s debut Hip-Hop Theatre Festival. By sharing his story he hopes to help audiences share their own, in their words, out loud.
Sign Up for the Open Mic!
The open mic to kick off our shows has become one of BlackLit Durham's most popular segments. If you want to touch the mic (one poem each, 5 min. maximum, unless the poems are less than two minutes each, then two poems is acceptable), our sign-up sheet opens at 6:30 pm, with the open mic beginning at 7 pm SHARP. First come, first served, limited slots available. Let's hear you SPIT YOUR FIRE, Ajax!
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