Spoken word artist wows at ‘Inside the Activists’ Studio’

I was mesmerized.

In front of me stood a young guy, mid-20s, who appeared comfortable in his own skin. I was mesmerized the moment he opened his mouth to share his poetry with the audience at "Inside the Activists' Studio," Feb. 21 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

The poet: Josh Healey. He grew up in a rough neighborhood of Washington, D.C. in a Jewish family that had Shabbat dinners every Friday night. He has lived in Oakland for the past 18 months. He works at Youth Speaks, a literary arts organization for kids and teenagers. The Jewish poet was invited to speak at J. Street's first annual convention, but then disinvited after critics said his progressive opinions "might be offensive" to conference-goers.

That may or may not be true, but at the CJM, Healey exhibited no offensive language or viewpoints.

His poems had gravity. They had narratives and pulsing emotion and a little bit of humor, which was much appreciated after an hour-long panel discussion with changemakers and social justice leaders about the challenges they face in making their dreams reality.

Healey's performance reminded me of the other time I've been exposed to spoken word - in Iowa, of all places. When I worked there, one of my colleagues was a slam poet, and she invited me to several of her performances. She was Cherie at work; on stage, she transformed into Chillin' the Conscious Poet, and she, too, mesmerized me with the power of her poems.

Healey reminded me of Chillin', even though they look nothing alike. But they both tackled ideas and topics most people are too afraid to bring up in everyday conversation — race, religion, poverty, equality, politics, judgments, prejudice, fear. Just as I was moved years ago by Chillin's captivating rhythms, so too was I inspired by Healey.

If you're curious, you can catch Healey at one of two upcoming events:

• Thursday, February 25. In Defense of Food: A Spoken Word Affair. Museum of the African Diaspora. 685 Mission Street, San Francisco. 8:00pm. With Poetri, Kirya Traber, & more. $10-20. 

• Thursday, March 18. Pierced Ear Poetry Slam. Plea for Peace Center. 630 E Weber St, Stockton, CA. 7:00pm. Feature performance. $7.

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