Poetry Performance by

LESLÉ HONORÉ

Live Music by

Leslé Honoré is a Blaxican poet, activist, and published author.

In her poetry and personal life, she helps youth find their voices through the arts and helps marginalized communities stand in the gaps that social, economic, and racial inequalities create. Her community leadership is woven into her artistic work. Leslé was appointed CEO of Urban Gateways and co-chair of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Art and Culture Transition team in 2022. She also serves on Mayor Johnson’s Advisory Council on Women, and the boards of the Urban Theater Company and The Renaissance Collaborative.

Born and raised in Gardena, California, she remains deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of her father, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana; and mother, who was born in Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico, and immigrated to the US at age 15. She believes in HBCU’s and says that “tacos and gumbo without kale can save the world.”

Chris Greene Quartet

This premier Chicago-based acoustic group is grounded in the jazz tradition but equally influenced by R&B, funk, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban, blues, gospel and more!

Sponsored by JUDY ASHWORTH & ACHIM STEUP