Voices is an occasional series from Re/Collecting Chapel Hill featuring local people telling their own stories in their own voices.
CJ Suitt (he/him/they/them) is a performance poet, arts educator, and community organizer from Chapel Hill, N.C., whose work is rooted in storytelling and social justice.
CJ most recently was appointed as the first Poet Laureate of Chapel Hill. He is committed to speaking truth to power and aims to be a bridge for communities who can’t always see themselves in each other.
This episode was produced by Klaus Mayr and edited by Klaus and Molly.
Episode Links
- Chapel Hill Poet Laureate | CJ Suitt | Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture — In November of 2019, the Town of Chapel Hill appointed artist, educator, and activist CJ Suitt as the first Poet Laureate of the community.
- In The Aftermath | Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture — In The Aftermath is a poem written and performed by Chapel Hill Poet Laureate CJ Suitt. This work was prompted by the current times and hopes to recognize community, nostalgia, and hope for the future.
- YOUTH COUNCIL | chcnaacp — On June 6th, 2020, the Chapel Hill Carrboro NAACP Youth Council hosted a Social Justice Rally to honor our slain brothers and sisters. Thank you to activist Alicea Davis for allowing us to share her performance of "A Change Is Gonna Come" in this episode.
- Music in this episode featured two local artists: Sonny Miles and Rowdy. You can find more of their music and support their work at Tracks Music Library.
- Tracks Music Library | Sonny Miles
- Tracks Music Library | Rowdy