Spring Speaks

Spring Speaks is an inspiring literary arts touring program that explores how creative writing can lead to powerful forms of self-expression, authorship, entrepreneurship, and career development. 
 
Through poetry, storytelling, readings, discussion, and interactive writing activities, award-winning poet, author, and educator Jamaal Amir Akbari (JustJamaal ThePoet) introduces participants to the many pathways that writing can create both artistically and professionally. 
 
Drawing from his published books CHAMBERS and Brave 2 Be, Jamaal shares his journey as a working writer, performer, publisher, and creative entrepreneur while helping students discover how writing connects to fields such as publishing, media, songwriting, public speaking, scriptwriting, education, journalism, library sciences, communications, and storytelling. 
 
Participants are encouraged to see their own voices, stories, and ideas as meaningful tools for creative and professional growth. 
 
Schools may book Spring Speaks as: 
• A single workshop or presentation 
• A full-day school visit 
• A residency-style program consisting of four or more visits over several days or weeks 
 

Curriculum Links

Explores literary arts through poetry, storytelling, publishing, media literacy and creative communication; supports literacy development through creative writing, narrative structure, figurative language and reflective expression; encourages entrepreneurship, career exploration, public speaking and creative confidence while examining how writing connects to diverse professional pathways.

Artist