Expressions in the Dark is returning to Springfield in its original monthly format this April, coinciding perfectly with National Poetry Month. For two decades, Kimberly Moore and her team have worked to cultivate a platform for the art of spoken word poetry. They are bringing back the popular monthly open mic night, Expressions in the Dark, with plans to establish Springfield as a hub for premier poetry slams.
"I was determined to make it to 20 years and change the game by hosting a poetry slam," said Moore, one of the founders of Expressions and a two-time cancer survivor who is currently recovering from a 2019 brain injury that resulted in multiple strokes. "I want to do something for my city and bring notoriety to Springfield through this art form."
Moore, who is also known throughout the community as K.C., said, "I invite the community to join us in celebrating as we take a leap of faith and move into the next chapter of Expressions."
Shatriya Smith, poet and executive director of the Garvey Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center, has lived in Springfield her whole life and is an active member of the artistic community. Moore introduced Smith to Expressions in 2016, and she has been a passionate supporter and participant ever since.
"When I met K.C. I had just started my first poetry book, The Poem Tree. I was fairly new to the scene, and seeing K.C.'s organizational efforts with access to poets from different states and perspectives of the same cultural background was enlightening and encouraging," said Smith. "This impacted me personally as I have been able to meet and be on the same stage with amazing artists like A.D. Carson, Corey Black and Mariah Brooks."
Moore and her team have secured a new venue for their revival of the open mic series. Expressions in the Dark's first event of the year will be held at Empire Korean Steakhouse and Sushi Bar on Friday, April 26, at 9 p.m.
Kevin Huang, a former Savannah College of Art and Design student, recently relocated to Springfield to manage his family's restaurant and is looking for ways to connect with the community.
"I want to engage with the local community, and when K.C. approached me about hosting Expressions, it felt right. It made sense," said Huang. He and Moore's team are collaborating to create a unique and lively experience for adults with drink specials, including a signature Expressions' lavender cocktail called Amethyst Elixir.
Expressions' new chapter has ignited the enthusiasm of former participants and attendees, who are eager to participate in it. "I've known Kim ever since I could know someone. I've watched her baby, Expressions, come to life," said Dechele Trammell. "I am looking forward to seeing talented people be free to be them. It's all about expression."
The monthly Expressions events will act as qualifiers for the first-ever poetry slam, planned for April 2025. Participants can compete for first and second place at Expressions every month. The first-place recipient will receive a monetary prize, and the first- and second-place winners will advance to the poetry slam. Moore and her team are excited to offer the slam's winner a significant monetary prize, hoping to attract artists beyond Springfield to compete in the event.
"I hope the community will recognize and be encouraged to support these types of events for the current year and the future," said Smith. "Having access to different forms of art is a benefit to the greater community, showcasing and sharing what brings us together. The juxtaposition of the absence of art of any kind would be a world without nuance, contrast and creativity."
Jamila Wicks has more than 20 years of experience working in government and nonprofit organizations, with the last five years focused on arts and cultural institutions. She currently resides in Decatur while working in Springfield.
