Poetry on Peter: Keeping Atlanta’s Poetry Scene Alive
Atlanta’s poetry scene finds its beating heart in the weekly Poetry on Peter (POP) event, held at the vibrant, artsy Peter Street Station. With poetry as its lifeblood, POP has turned into a pulsating hub of live music, spoken word performances, and engaging interactions, significantly enriching the cultural tapestry of Atlanta’s African American community.
The Foundations of Poetry on Peter
Poet Miyana Sarver, erstwhile songwriter turned poetry enthusiast, is the curator of Poetry on Peter. She envisioned POP as a platform for Atlanta’s poets and artists, fostering a nurturing space to fuel their creative sparks. Unveiled in July 2021, POP has metamorphosed into a community bringing together an eclectic ensemble of local Black musicians, small businesses, and, most prominently, poets.
Under a color fusion of red and blue lights that splash purples hues across the stage, the essence of Poetry on Peter emerges fully. Standing sentinel in the heart of Peters Street Station, a solitary microphone welcomes poets whose words fly into the vibrant, receptive crowd, echoing Atlanta’s soulful Blues and Jazz origins. This is a testament to POP’s success in presenting a harmless space for Black creatives where their voices reverberate with power.
Fostering Inclusivity and Community Spirit
Sarver structured POP around three central tenets –radiating positive energy towards poets, fostering interactions, and ensuring everyone has a fruitful time. As Monday nights roll by, welcoming faces gather around the POP stage, championing creativity and stimulating productive exchanges.
The beauty of the community spirit shines through as different local Black businesses grace POP’s stage every week. “‘I’m very grateful and honored to work with other Black creatives and support each other in that way. It feels freeing. It feels empowering,” shared JAHnye Ashanti, a licensed professional offering beauty and wellness services through her business, Ashanti Skin.
Curating the buzzing event every Monday calls for immense backstage effort. Miyana Sarver, with her dedicated team of 10, diligently chisels the event into a dynamic powerhouse for promoting local talent and black-owned business establishments.
An Agent of Cultural Renaissance
The extraordinary success of Poetry on Peter has been an instrumental force behind the creative resurgence at Peters Street, previously known for its notorious red-light district. Peters Street Station now thrives as a haven for artists, housing art galleries, restaurants, and bars, adding zest and vibrancy to neighborhood nightlife.
Poetry on Peter has rightly earned its stature of being the Peter Street’s heartbeat. With its expanding reputation within the community and continued success, it promises to persist in its mission to keep Atlanta’s poetry scene flourishing. Reflecting on POP’s exciting journey to its nearing three-year mark, Sarver proudly asserts, “It’s bigger than us…. It feels good. It makes me feel proud. So often, I’ll drop a tear about it.”
Poetry on Peter is more than a weekly event in Atlanta’s scene; it is a dedication that connects, galvanizes, and resonates with the community’s heart beats. It advocates for the unvoiced, furthers the well-being of Atlanta’s African American community, and ceaselessly endeavors to magnify their creative voices.
