Sankofa

“Reclaiming What Was Left Behind."

A PoeticJourney Through Words, Wounds, and Wisdom

Register for a place at the open mic!

This poetry experience invites voices from across generations to reach into the past, reclaiming truth, memory, and identity. Rooted in the Ghanaian concept of Sankofa, this event is a poetic pilgrimage—a call to gather what history tried to bury and breathe life into legacy. Through spoken word, we affirm that healing, resistance, and rebirth begin when we honor what was left behind.

Refreshments will be provided for this program.

About Our Featured Poets

"Just Steve"

Stephen “Just Steve” Carpenter is a Chicago-based artist, poet, and songwriter known for making music that feels like something—honest, timeless, and full of heart. He’s performed across the country and worked with artists like Chance the Rapper, Jonathan McReynolds, and Rhymefest. His releases include Euroclydon, the Christmas single You Made My List, and the Thank You Autumn series—a growing collection of music inspired by the beauty and meaning of the fall season.

In 2025, he wrote and performed a new theme song for Good Day Chicago on FOX. Offstage, he works as a youth counselor and drum instructor, and creative director, committed to using his gifts to inspire, uplift, and give back.

Candace Brown, Known as Kandie Kane

Candace Brown, who goes by the name Kandie Kane, has been immersed in the world of poetry for just a year. During this time, she has participated in several spoken word shows. This fall, she is set to release her poetry book. Her work primarily focuses on themes related to relationship issues, although she is capable of writing about a variety of topics. Those interested in her work can find her on Facebook under the handle

Numan Nunn

Numan Nunn began his journey into poetry after watching Def Poetry Jam some time ago. He found the atmosphere, wordplay, and overall environment to be captivating, which inspired him to dive into the world of poetry. He sought out various open mic sessions and made his debut at a National Poetry Slam in San Diego, CA, in 2018, motivated purely by his passion for the art. Numan expressed a desire to compete among the best, stating, "Why not go where the best is at?" Although he did not place in the competition, he valued the experience and felt that people resonated with his craft.

Through this journey, Numan recognized the various factors that contribute to success in slam poetry, which fueled his determination to share his words and gain exposure. San Diego became a pivotal location for him, allowing him to immerse himself in the poetry scene. Most of his poems are based on real-life experiences, which he describes as both a gift and a curse, as they often bring him back to moments of trauma or pain. He believes in the importance of sharing these experiences, viewing it as a form of healing that is essential for the community, as everyone endures their own real-life challenges.

Special reading and book signing by award-winning author and founder of SFJ, Terry L. Watson

Mr. Watson established Strategies For Justice (SFJ), a speaking and training bureau that believes unveiling untold narratives of injustice can lead to change. SFJ aims to help communities develop strategies for justice by leveraging the power of stories as a foundation for reform.

n 2022, Mr. Watson authored his first book, Welcome to the Sick Mind of a Sane Person: Deconstructing Racism and White Supremacy, which won the International Impact Book Award for Personal Growth and Development on Racism and Discrimination, the Literacy Global Book Award for African American Non-Fiction and DEI, and the Regal Summitt Book award for Non-Fiction, Poetry award from the Black Author Association, and as a finalist for poetry at the 21st Annual Best Book Awards.