Say It Louder is a Juneteenth and Pride open mic and community gathering for Black and queer artists, performers, and neighbors in New York City. This event brings together live music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, a DJ, free crafts, Caribbean food, wine, and a welcoming creative community.

This will be our biggest open mic so far and the last one until September at Lincoln Center.

We are a community centered open mic in Bushwick designed for people who want connection, creativity, and a space that feels good. Many people arrive alone. Most leave knowing names, meeting new creatives, and feeling less alone in New York.

We meet at Saint James Libations, a Black and queer women owned wine bar that feels like a living room. It is one of the few spaces in the city intentionally creating room for Black and queer community.

You do not need to perform. You do not need to know anyone. You do not need to be outgoing. Come for an hour or stay all afternoon. We will be here until 7PM.

If you want to collaborate, volunteer, or share an idea, come at 2PM. Lailani will be available from 2PM to 4PM for anyone interested in building workshops, performances, community projects, or creative ideas.

Arrive early to get a table. Food and drinks start at 3PM. If you are performing, send your backtracks or music to Officialdutty@gmail.com.

RSVPs help us fill the room. Bringing a friend helps. Sharing the event helps. Donating helps. Supporting the venue helps. This is a community effort.

If you have been craving community, inspiration, friendship, or a reason to leave the house, this is for you. Come celebrate Black creativity, queer joy, and the simple act of showing up.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/say-it-louder-juneteenth-pride-open-mic-and-art-gathering-tickets-1986004980358
Donate: https://www.lailanigibson.com/donate
Perform: https://forms.gle/fMwcgDfUbXFMf8f77
More events: https://www.lailanigibson.com/theartmeetup
Instagram: @theartmeetup and @nonlocalai