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BIPOC Reading Series
This monthly reading series is intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color.
Come listen to our featured readers, or sign up to share your work in our open mic. Readings will be followed by a short community discussion. Hosted by Kyle Yoshioka and Jessica Meza-Torres.
The featured readers for May are Chel Martinez and Shiaian Price, aka thebathtubpoet..
This event is open to everyone, but only people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color will be invited to read. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Meza-Torres at jmezatorres24@gmail.com or Kyle Yoshioka at kyle.yoshioka@gmail.com.
Kyle Yoshioka
Kyle (they/he) is an apologetic Californian and 14-year resident of Portland who thinks and writes a lot about belonging. Their work and voice have appeared in various publications and podcasts. Kyle is the editorial director of Provecho, a multilingual publication exploring the intersection of food and identity.
@yearofthekyle | @provecho.magazine
Chel Martinez
With roots from Oaxaca, Morelos and Mexico City, Chel Martinez is an artist, poet, and activist born in Portland, raised in Gresham, Oregon. A light to pursue the arts was ignited at the University of Oregon where she studied Spanish Literature & Culture, Comp Sci, and Entrepreneurship. Through art and poetry, she uses her talent to share personal experiences, issues affecting humanity and her community. Chel’s work is a reflection of heritage, resilience, and healing.
Shiaian Price
Meet Shiaian Price, or as the world knows her, thebathtubpoet.!
A luminary moonchild from a small town in Alabama, boils her creativity while soaking in the tub. This Pisces wields water as her poetic muse. You can find her dropping poetry like bubbles wherever she can! Shiaian is the visionary founder and host of Portland's enchanting open mic, Moment of Truth. A monthly poetry house party, where she’s all about creating a welcoming space for poets at every stage of their journey. As a token of her appreciation, she hands out homemade bath salts to every poet who shares their soul. She weaves magic through words! Needless to say, thebathtubpoet. is making waves and riding each one that comes her way! To explore the vibrant portfolio and live performances of her work and endeavors, follow her on Instagram: @thebathtubpo3t.
A few of her accomplishments are….
Collaborating with the Portland Trail Blazers diversity and inclusions department curating a showcase of local Black poets! She’s hosted at the Portland Book Festival, organized by Literary Arts, displayed her flowers at prestigious venues such as the Portland Chinese Gardens, the Seattle Art Museum for Women's History Month curated by InsideSpace, the Oregon Department of Human Resources for Black History Month, Juneteenth Jubilee organized and hosted by Lindsey Luna, RnB Aer Dark; and features all over Portland at various mics and events. This poet is also on the organizing committee for “Bigfoot Poetry Festival”. A three-day wild ride of workshops, open mics, and slam battles featuring talent from coast to coast! And guess what? Her work is even in the festival's 2024 anthology!
