The Word is a transformative literary arts program powered by an intergenerational cooperative of diverse, justice-minded spoken word artists. The Word builds community by growing radically inclusive writing and performance programs grounded in poetry, rap, and song. Through its many partnerships, The Word brings a creative life force into social action groups, movements, and institutions – expanding our collective capacity to re-imagine ourselves and our world.
WHO WE
ARE
The Word is a spoken word poetry education program helping students learn to read, critique, write, and perform poetry created by New Haven hip hop poet & playwright Aaron Jafferis, in partnership with the Institute Library, the Future Project and New Haven Public Schools. The Word is celebrating its 8th year in 2020!
We work with middle school and high school students across the city of New Haven from over 8 different schools.
TA’NINA GATISON
Communications Intern
Ta’Nina Gatison is the Communication Intern and corresponds with The Word’s participants and members. She is currently attending Central Connecticut State University and is an English major. Ta’Nina says, “I believe in The Word’s mission of teaching youth how to become spoken word poets. I am excited to see their growth and how much of a positive impact The Word will have on their lives.”
ASHLEY RIVERA GONSALES
Media Intern
Ashley Rivera Gonsales is the Media Intern and creates content for The Word’s social media pages. She is currently attending Gateway Community College and is a major in Business Studies. Ashley says, “I like interning at The Word because you always learn something new and get to hear different kinds of poems each week!”
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MATTHEW DUHANEY
Graphic Design Intern
Matthew Duhaney, the Graphic Design Intern, is updating The Word’s website and creating event flyers. He is a recent graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, where he majored in Graphic Design. Matthew says, “The thing I’m looking forward to the most as an intern at The Word is meeting new people and being able to create new art.”