Joanne Clark reports on ‘Ingrid B’ Bazin for Caribbean National Weekly (CNW). Dedicated to amplifying the presence of underrepresented artists through her platform, On the B Side, Ingrid B presents “The B Side Slam,” a National Poetry Month event set for April 12, 2026, in Historic Overtown, Miami, Florida.
Jamaican-born cultural curator Ingrid ‘Ingrid B’ Bazin is celebrating nearly 25 years of shaping South Florida’s spoken-word scene with The B Side Slam, a National Poetry Month event set for April 12 in Historic Overtown.
Born in Jamaica with Haitian and Barbadian roots, Bazin has spent decades amplifying Caribbean voices through her platform, ON THE B SIDE. What began as grassroots poetry gatherings has grown into the region’s longest-running spoken-word series, providing a stage for poets across the Caribbean diaspora.
“This alone is a whole Caribbean passport,” Bazin said, reflecting on her identity. “Our histories are linked across the Americas, as evidenced in our food, language, and culture. Poetry allows us to express all of that, adding context, depth, and vitality to our stories.”
The B Side Slam, part of National Poetry Month, will bring together South Florida’s top poets in a judged competition featuring original performances and a $500 prize. The event will take place at Red Rooster Overtown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Beyond competition, Bazin says the event celebrates storytelling, heritage, and shared Caribbean and American experiences.
“On our stage, you hear English, Spanish, and Creole,” she said. “You hear stories about love, loss, family, migration — stories that resonate across islands and generations. It’s about connecting communities while highlighting the unique textures of each Caribbean culture.”
Maintaining a poetry movement for nearly 25 years has not been without challenges, including funding, visibility, and audience engagement. Still, Bazin credits the platform’s longevity to the artists and community that continue to support it.
“The poets show up. The people show up. The energy is real. This isn’t just work — it’s a calling,” she said. “We’ve helped shape South Florida’s spoken-word scene while nurturing emerging talent.” [. . .]
For full article, see https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/local-news/jamaican-born-cultural-curator-ingrid-b-marks-25-years-with-national-poetry-month-slam-in-miami/
Also see a 2025 interview at https://boldjourney.com/meet-ingrid-b-bazin/
Joanne Clark reports on ‘Ingrid B’ Bazin for Caribbean National Weekly (CNW). Dedicated to amplifying the presence of underrepresented artists through her platform, On the B Side, Ingrid B presents “The B Side Slam,” a National Poetry Month event set for April 12, 2026, in Historic Overtown, Miami, Florida. Jamaican-born cultural curator Ingrid ‘Ingrid B’ Bazin is celebrating