Milwaukee's Ex Fabula to Host Diverse Poetry Slam

Event will feature Black and Brown spoken word artists celebrating community voices.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:15am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration using bold black shapes and high-contrast colors to conceptually represent the powerful spoken word performances of local poets.A vibrant celebration of diverse artistic voices from Milwaukee's Black and Brown communities.Today in Milwaukee

On April 9, Milwaukee's Ex Fabula storytelling organization will host a special poetry slam event highlighting the work of Black and Brown spoken word artists. The event, titled "Dear Black Boy: Futures Not Funerals," will feature performances from the city's newest Poet Laureate, Shelly Conley, as well as other local voices in the oral tradition.

Why it matters

The event aims to amplify marginalized perspectives and artistic expressions from Milwaukee's Black and Brown communities, providing a platform for underrepresented voices to share their stories and experiences through the powerful medium of spoken word poetry.

The details

Ex Fabula, a Milwaukee-based storytelling organization, is hosting the special poetry slam event to celebrate diverse local talent. The lineup will feature Shelly Conley, Milwaukee's recently appointed Poet Laureate, as well as other acclaimed Black and Brown spoken word artists from the community.

  • The event will take place on April 9, 2026.

The players

Shelly Conley

Milwaukee's newly appointed Poet Laureate who will be performing at the event.

Ex Fabula

A Milwaukee-based storytelling organization hosting the poetry slam event.

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What they’re saying

“Dear Black Boy: Futures Not Funerals" is a powerful event that celebrates the rich artistic voices of Milwaukee's Black and Brown communities.”

— Shelly Conley, Milwaukee Poet Laureate

The takeaway

This poetry slam event provides an important platform for marginalized artists to share their stories and perspectives, fostering greater representation and appreciation for the diverse creative talent within Milwaukee's Black and Brown communities.