At EVERSANA INTOUCH, Black History Month is not just a moment, but an ongoing commitment to honoring history, amplifying voices, and creating space for meaningful connection. This year, our Black Professionals Network set a powerful theme: Joy Is Resistance: Celebrating Black Life, History & Culture. To EMBRACE DIVERSITY, the Black Professionals Network invited colleagues across the organization to pause, reflect, and celebrate through the power of spoken word.
Hosted by O’Brian Shaw, Art Supervisor and Chair of the Black Professionals Network, and Viola Bennett, Copywriter, the virtual gathering showed how we WIN TOGETHER as employees from across teams and geographies gathered to experience poetry not only as art, but as truth, storytelling, and resistance.
“It was an honor to be one of the hosts for the Spoken Word Poetry Event. The two poets shared such powerful work, and I loved how open and honest they were.”
– Viola Bennett
“It’s important to give poets a platform to share their art and showcasing the power of the written word. There’s something inspiring about how it creates space for reflection and dialogue. Providing that space, especially during Black History Month, feels both intentional and necessary.” – O’Brian Shaw
– O’Brian Shaw
Poetry as Story, Resistance, and Connection
The event featured two dynamic poets whose work reflects the depth, complexity, and vibrancy of Black lived experience.
Indigo Speaks, a spoken word artist from New York City, opened the event with a piece rooted in the reclamation of hair, identity, language, and joy. Her storytelling blended vivid imagery with themes of selfhood and family. When asked how she defines joy as resistance, Indigo shared that Black joy, for her, is about reclaiming what has historically been shaped or judged by others.
“The performances were really moving and thought provoking. I truly felt like I could see and understand the subjects in a way I never had before, especially as someone who is not a person of color.”
– Liz Pease, Sr Medical Editor
“I greatly enjoyed the energy and eloquence of the artists. They were strong, unapologetic, and powerful, and a much-needed injection of joy and clarity in challenging times.”
– Ian Williams, VP, Creative Director
Steph Ox, an Amazon bestselling children’s book author and motivational poet, followed with a piece that challenged silence and explored the weight of voice, perspective, and responsibility in the present moment. Known for blending humor, heart, and insight, Steph shared how her work aims to shift perspectives and create compassion, especially in times when speaking up can feel risky.
Reflected on the idea that COMMUNICATION MATTERS, Steph reminded the audience that storytelling is not only personal, but communal and carries the potential to inspire action, empathy, and understanding.
“The poetry presented was so raw and heartfelt. I’m so glad we provided both artists the space to share their work and engage with us.“
– Maria Castillo, Account Supervisor
A Moment of Reflection
The y session left a lasting impression by creating a rare moment of pause, connection, and shared reflection across the organization. Through raw storytelling and expressive performance, the poets reminded attendees of the power of vulnerability, joy, and creative expression, especially during Black History Month.
“The poets’ words were a powerful reminder of how art can open us to new perspectives and experiences, which I think is especially meaningful during Black History Month.”
– John Griffin, Sr Art Director
By intentionally creating space for authentic voices and open conversation, the event embodied EVERSANA INTOUCH’s commitment to shared learning, collective joy, and the belief that joy itself can be a powerful form of resistance.
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