Shawn Welcome hosts and performs at Voices of Freedom
Shawn Welcome Credit: Courtesy Facebook

In celebration of Black History Month, the Dr. Phillips Center presents “Voices of Freedom: An Evening of Spoken Word.” The event highlights the cultural impact of performance poetry, a powerful blend of words, movement and expression.

The night honors the art form’s history, from the 1950s Beat poets to the wordsmiths of hip-hop. Orlando’s second Poet Laureate, Shawn Welcome, headlines the event, performing a 90-minute showcase. Welcome is a UCF alumnus known for his 20-year-running open mic event, “Diverse Word,” and his work as Orlando Chapter president for the Next Level Speakers Academy. Welcome has been working to build a strong community of public speakers through his Dr. Phil residency and workshops in Orange County high schools.

This evening of spoken word will spotlight these young poets who participated in the workshops, continuing to foster an environment where performance poetry can grow.

8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., drphillipscenter.org, free.

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This article appears in Feb. 11-17, 2026.