CHATHAM — Enjoy an evening of spoken word Thursday that will also honor breast cancer survivors.
The open mic poetry event will be co-hosted by South Shore resident Deana Dean and Sharon Celeste at Soul Vegetarian, 205 E. 75th St. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the poetry will go from 7:30-10 p.m.
Tickets are $7 and can be bought at the door. The featured act is Dometi Pongo, who is an emcee and radio personality for WVON. Participants are asked to wear pink.
Dean said that literature on breast cancer would be distributed. It was important to create awareness and honor those who have lost their lives to breast cancer because she has lost family to it, she said.
"My mother fought it twice," Dean said "The second time it got her. I'm an only child so it's hard, but I have to keep living."
She wants to encourage others to get a mammogram or start doing self checks, and to encourage loved ones to do so.
"It's a hassle, it's no fun, but it's necessary," Dean said.
She encourages the community to come out and enjoy themselves.
"The feature is amazing and I'm funny, so you're going to have fun."
She said those who've been feeling down will be restored after the show.
"It's soul restoration. If you need to be rejuvenated, this is the place to come. If you have some extra energy to give to someone else, this is the place to come. It's like a family reunion every time we do this."
The restaurant has been letting Dean and her co-host hold their poetry sets for six years, Dean said, who added that she loves supporting black businesses.
The restaurant's kitchen will be open during the show.
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