GRILLS & GRIOTS

Something special is coming to Willingboro!

Join us for the inaugural Grills & Griots, a new annual poetry series presented by NJ Poetry Events @njpoetryevents in partnership with Mocha Mic with Millie.

Saturday, August 8
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Willingboro Lakes Park
60 Beverly-Rancocas Rd.
Willingboro, NJ 08046

We will be coming together under the gazebo for an afternoon of delicious barbecue, dynamic spoken word performances, meaningful conversation, and a welcoming community gathering celebrating the power of poetry.

Hosted by:
Millicent Ansah (@millicent_ansah24)
Poet, curator, educator, and founder of Mocha Mic with Millie (@mochamicwithmillie)

Grill Master:
James C. Ellerbe (@james.c.ellerbe)
Spoken word artist, author, and founder and administrator of NJPoetryEvents.com (@NJPoetryEvents)

Featuring

AVG (@avgpoetry)
Poet, author, and activist whose work explores faith, identity, romance, and social justice, inviting audiences into spaces of reflection and healing.

Sincerely L. (@poeticappitude)
Nationally ranked slam poet and author of Sunflower Soldier, whose poetry embraces honesty, healing, vulnerability, and transformation.

Open Mic
10 open mic spots available! Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping up to the mic for the first time, we'd love to hear your voice.

Admission: $25 for Adults (14 years and up) - $12 for Kids (5-13 years) - Free (Under 5 years) - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grills-griots-tickets-1993595935108

Registration includes your choice of a barbecue meal selected during checkout.
Plant-based meal options are available.

No walk-ins. Advance registration is required.

This is an alcohol-free event.

Behind the lens: Expressions by MowZus will be capturing the memories, the moments, and the magic of the day through photography.

What is Grills & Griots?

Inspired by the rich storytelling tradition of griots, Grills & Griots is a new annual gathering that blends poetry, food, and fellowship to create a safe and welcoming space where Black poetic voices are celebrated, stories are shared, and community is strengthened.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

This is a family-friendly event! Bring the kids, invite your friends, and enjoy an afternoon of great food, inspiring poetry, and community in the park.

Come hungry. Come inspired. Come ready to connect.

We'll bring the grill.
You bring the poetry.
Together, we'll build community, one poem and one plate at a time.