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Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Derrick Harriell

Derrick Harriell is the Interim Director of the Black Student Cultural Center and Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His previous collections of poems include Stripper in Wonderland, Come Kingdom, Cotton, and Ropes, winner of the 2014 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Poetry Book Award. His short story, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” was the recipient of the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award. He holds an MFA from Chicago State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His forthcoming coauthored book with celebrated rapper 2 Chainz, The Voice in My Head is God, will be published in March 2026. 

Black History Month Closing Celebration

Celebrate the finale of Black History Month with an unforgettable community gathering! Savor delicious food from Immy’s African Cuisine, experience the vibrant artistry of Ko-Thi Dance Company, and get moving with lively line dancing hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life. Come together in joy, rhythm, and community as we honor Black history, culture, and legacy! 

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring *aya

*aya is a Palestinian singer/songwriter based in Milwaukee, creating a unique blend of indie and soul that resonates deeply with listeners. With a smooth, jazzy voice, *aya writes about universal themes like self-reflection, love, loss, mental health, and personal growth, making their music both intimate and relatable. Inspired by the artistry of Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Faye Webster, Amy Winehouse, and Outkast, they seamlessly weave together genres to create a sound that’s unmistakably their own. 

Power of the Pen: DIY Zines/Comics

Discover the expressive world of zines and comics as we experiment with storytelling, illustration, and creative self-publishing. This hands-on workshop invites participants to craft their own mini-works and explore how personal stories come alive on the page 

Courageous Conversations: AI and Creativity

This dialogue invites participants to unpack how emerging technologies challenge, inspire, and transform our creative lives. Come engage in a brave, imaginative conversation about what it means to create alongside AI. 

Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Social Cig

Born & brewed in Wisconsin, Social Cig is the ‘Indie-Skate-Rock’ music project of Parker Schultz. Consisting of contagious authenticity, cheery live shows, and cultivating an original story with an attitude of gratitude, Social Cig is creating full-circle moments. While leafing through US music scenes with an ambitious DIY approach and writing songs that capture a genuine outlook from a modern-day Midwest cowboy, Social Cig has become a well-rounded grassroots venture.