LA Raza BIPOC Access

SPIN El Poeta

LA Raza BIPOC Access Artist Development Podcast Series for the grassroots artists

Episodes

  1. 12/21/2025

    Amani Arts: Muslim Somali Representation, Spoken Word + Identity in Art | La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Podcast

    In this powerful episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, we sit down with Amani Arts — member of the One Mic Educators collective, author, spoken word poet, concept artist and storyteller based in Hamilton, Ontario. Her work explores Black identity, Somali culture, Muslim representation, self love and the narratives that often get erased in mainstream media.    Amani has been published in TRADMagazine, PITCHMagazine, Briarpatch Magazine and more, and her book Oceans Barwaaqo is her first collective publication. She also teaches workshops for emerging writers and creatives, and was awarded the 2022 GOG Award for “Innovation in a permanent collection” for Breaking The Vault: Art and Poetic Liberty (Art Gallery of Hamilton).   In this episode we discuss:   Muslim + Somali representation in art Using poetry to reclaim narrative Refusing to shrink identity for acceptance Why showing nuance matters Centering joy, regularity + everyday life as art Why representation is a leadership responsibility This is a needed conversation for people who have ever felt unseen, misrepresented or culturally flattened by media.   Watch. Listen. Share. Someone needs access to this — today. LISTEN TO FULL PODCAST + EPISODES https://laraza.podbean.com/ Amani Arts IG — https://www.instagram.com/its.amani.arts Linktree — https://linktr.ee/itsamaniarts About the Project   The La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast is co-produced by Spin El Poeta https://instagram.com/spinelpoeta, THE DOPE CONTENT https://instagram.com/thedopecontent ONE MIC EDUCATORS https://instagram.com/educatorsonemic   Supported by Canada Council for the Arts.

    51 min
  2. Building Immigrant Indigenous Friendship

    02/24/2024

    Building Immigrant Indigenous Friendship

    Join us in a heartfelt journey on the LA Raza BIPOC Access podcast as we delve into the power of unity and healing across cultures in our latest episode, Building Immigrant-Indigenous Friendship This special session features the wisdom of Mohawk elder and healer, Sylvia Bero, alongside her Afro-Indigenous granddaughter Karisma Thompson, weaving a rich blend of Jamaican and Mohawk heritage. As we explore nearly two decades of family bonds with SPIN El Poeta, laughter, and learning, we also tackle the vital conversations around the challenges faced by Indigenous youth today and the innovative role of Discord technology in their life.   In an episode filled with warmth, humor, and insightful discussions, Sylvia and her granddaughter share their unique perspectives on fostering connections between Immigrant and Indigenous communities, offering lessons in friendship, resilience, and cultural preservation. From personal stories to broader societal issues, this episode is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in the intersections of Indigenous wisdom, Afro-Indigenous identities, and the transformative power of intercultural friendships.   Whether you're passionate about supporting Indigenous rights, curious about the impact of technology on artistic expression, or simply in search of a story that connects deep, personal roots with global bridges of understanding, "Building Bridges: Immigrant-Indigenous Friendships" promises to enlighten, entertain, and inspire.   Tune in to discover how we can all contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic world, one conversation at a time.

    57 min

About

LA Raza BIPOC Access Artist Development Podcast Series for the grassroots artists