Power. Community. Voice.

Building power at the intersection of the arts, civic engagement, literacy, and youth & community development.

Join Our Mailing ListGet Tickets to PLAY - at Icehouse Sep. 19Become a Sustaining Member of Our VillageRegister for 2 Cuba w/Love on Aug. 8 at The Capri Theater!

Our Mission

To cultivate literacy, leadership, and social justice through the study & application of Spoken Word and Hip Hop culture.

Our Vision

To foster a global community of diverse voices committed to advancing justice and equity.

Hip Hop Education

Culturally relevant pedagogy centered in the arts & cultural components of Spoken Word & Hip Hop culture.

Arts Exhibition

Public performance, showcasing, and publication of creative works and cultural practices.

Professional Development

Consultations, workshops, leadership training, and more for artists, arts educators, community organizers, education administrators, etc.

Up Next with TruArtSpeaks!

Taking a note from acclaimed poet and author, Danez Smith, this event has two titles: (When Black Folx) Play, or Play, celebrates the extemporaneous and improvisational aspects of Black music, or play, and invites attendees to sit in the play space with the artists, following the music wherever it may go. We’ve invited some of the most innovative creators in the Twin Cities to demonstrate song construction, musical deconstruction, and jazz with you all—Kashimana Ahua, Davu Seru & deVon Gray, alongside DJ Kenna! Oh, and you aren’t off the hook! We will have a few materials in the space for you to create as well. Let’s have some fun together.

Tix at TruArtSpeaks.org and icehousempls.com.

On March 28, 2026 we packed The Dowling Studio at The Guthrie Theater with community members in support of youth voice; The Be Heard MN youth poetry slam final bout was an exhilarating exhibition of story, poise, bravery and skill. The next generation is not afraid to speak their truth, own their power, and challenge the current norms.

Thank you to everyone who came out and most importantly, congratulations to everyone who competed this season. Extra love to the 2026 Be Heard MN Cohort: Alex, Aliyah, Arame, Ezra, Rhea, and Synne!

Re-Verb open Mic at Flava Coffee & Cafe

Re-Verb Open Mic has found a new weekly home at Flava Coffee & Café in Saint Paul’s Frogtown. DJ Just Nine holds down the 1’s & 2’s every first Thursday, while we welcome a new feature each subsequent week.

In fact, the application to feature is currently open to all MN based artists interested in being paid to feature at this staple community event. Apply now if this sounds of interest to you!

Testimony

“I didn't begin as a poet…I stumbled into the Re-Verb Open Mic presented by TruArtSpeaks, and now I'm part of the organization; I own it. I am a poet.”

Taiwana Shambley