Akanke’s Room: Where Words Become Witness with Shayna Akanke Marie

In this episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, I sit down with thee Shayna “Akanke” Marie who is a poet, art activist, creative entrepreneur, and quiet force behind so many of Grand Rapids’ truth-telling spaces. As the founder of Akanke’s Room, narrative strategist at The Diatribe, and collaborator on projects like A City Within A City, GRMiFi (Media Initiative & Film Incubator), and Reaching Beyond Bias; Shayna has built rooms where art and activism meet healing and transformation. In this coffee break session we talk about: When poetry first became her language Building Akanke’s Room as a sanctuary for truth-telling Balancing art and entrepreneurship as a creative woman of color Her role as an “accidental historian” in Grand Rapids’ collective memory What she’s learned from years of working with youth And how she sustains hope while carrying the weight of community work This conversation is as much about wisdom as it is about witness. I hope it reminds you of the power of words and the rooms we choose to build for one another. Support the show Theo’s Coffee Break is a listener supported show. Help us continue to create great content for you by donating to the show. Thank you for your support. Link: buymeacoffee.com/theoscoffeebreakpodcast/share/first-coffee Do you want to join the coffee table or want to share your thoughts about today’s coffee break? Send me an email to [email protected] Last thing, if you enjoyed this episode subscribe and follow so you never miss out on our coffee breaks. See you at the next one! Official Website: www.shinhooyongmusicenterprise.com