For National Poetry Month, the Library will be shining a light on Jacksonville's poets and the work they are doing in our community to connect people with words that match their feelings and experiences. Whether you're a poetry fan or just a lover of the written word, you won't want to miss this amazing lineup of local creators, educators and thought leaders.
#JOIN
First up in our Lit Chat Interview series is Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood's interview with veteran and poet Aaron Woodson on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. They'll talk live at the Pablo Creek Library (and live on Zoom) about The Face of Expression. Books will be available to purchase on-site or you can bring a copy purchased from your favorite bookseller.
#Register to attend!
Aaron Woodson is a Florida-based military combat veteran who has served in the US Air Force and US Air National Guard for over 15 years. He began his military career participating in military campaigns such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. At a very young age, Aaron began to nurture an interest in and passion for poetry. He began to write poems at school and his love for writing grew so deep that he told his parents that someday he would publish his own book. Having moved to Jacksonville in 2016, he decided to finish up his now-completed book, The Face of Expression, a poetry book that fuses story-telling and non-fiction clips into it. The Face of Expression highlights topics about life, love, pain, struggle, rejection, faith, and experiences. Aaron gets his inspiration to write from his spirituality, traveling, singing, music, positive quotes, and experiences, among others.
Interviewer Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood is a poet, writer, author, emcee, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and curator. Taryn is the program manager for The Performers Academy, a 12-year partner of Family Support Services. The Performers Academy uses the healing power of the arts as behavioral intervention and diversion for youth and teens, and Taryn manages programs including the Just Like Me Cultural and Exhibition Experience for teens.
Taryn conducts weekly writing workshops for adults in recovery, at-risk youth in drug rehabilitation centers, youth in foster care and in juvenile detention centers. She is the CEO of IAmLoveReigns Enterprises LLC, providing online business solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses, artists and entertainers. Taryn is also the host of the Random Thoughts of Reign podcast, which she began during the pandemic as a way to connect the world with creators during quarantine. LoveReigns is the founder of Artis(Tree) Live and The Closet Jax and co-founder of The Cypher Open Mic Poetry & Soul, which is, to date, the longest-running open mic in Jacksonville history.
#READ
Check out all of the books in the Face of Expression series in our catalog!
#AARON RECOMMENDS
Books:
- The Alchemist
- 48 Laws of Power
- The 5 Love Languages
- The Face of Expression 3: Fall of A King
- The Art of War
Movies:
Places to Visit in Florida: Cummer Museum (Jacksonville), MOSH (Museum of Science and History), Jacksonville Zoo, River and Post Rooftop Bar, Buc-ee's, Florida Theatre, Universal Studios, Amway Arena, Versailles Restaurant (Miami), City Zero Gym (Miami)
