Writers Of Oya

The Writers of Oya project aims to teach adolescent girls, particularly girls of color,
how to compose poetry as a skill to both express and assert themselves.

JaNelle Davenport-Pleasure
For more than 3 decades, She has immersed herself in the arts. As an avid dancer/instructor, jewelry artist, recycled clothing designer, spoken word poet, and author. Ja Nelle has engaged audiences throughout the United States and internationally. She strives in all she does to help all learn to express themselves creatively in whatever form that presents itself.
My strengths: I am passionate about taking what others see as ugly and spoiled and turning it into something beautiful. Some of her interests include cooking, running, reading murder mysteries, spending time with her children and making memories.
JaNelle has published poems in the Crows on the Line, a poetry book published by the CU Poetry group. She has also self-published 2 books. Eyes Open and Splitting 650 both poetry books.

Champaign Facilitator

Camille Files

Jr Facilitator-Arizona

Shaya Robinson
Shaya has been a Champaign resident since 2007 and serves as an advocate for underrepresented community members. As an artisit she has performed for charity events for local groups including Lupus Awareness, Rape Advocacy and Counseling Services, Courage Connections, and Cunningham Township. She advocates for the arts and runs a poetry class called S.P.E.A.K (Song, Poetry, Expression, Art Knowledge) Cafe that focuses on social and political issues. She's won an ACE Award for fostering and maintaining a safe space for artists of all ages to weave social justice ideas into the arts to shine a light on and uplift underserved community members. She loves to hike and spend time with loved ones. She does not believe in following traditional writing rules and always writes from the heart.

Urbana Facilitator

Achly Ramos

Jr Facilitator, Urbana

Step 1

Allow yourself to immerse in an environment that creates confidence, self reflection, and self exploration.

Step 2

Learn the art of Slam poetry in regards to composition, speech, and performance strategies.

Step 3

Participate in community poetry slams culminating to our featured program 'Poets in the Park': to perform pieces created during our sessions

Student Voices

Unmasked; the Writers of Oya Publication

Unmasked is the first work of poetry by the Writers of Oya. It comprises of reflections and thoughts from the participants.

You can find the Unmasked spoken word album on Spotify and other streaming platforms

Unmasked

$10.00

Primer book of poetry from the Writers of Oya. Experience the world through their eyes.

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Writers of Oya in the News

lwww.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/name-dropping-urbanas-first-youth-poet-laureate-has-powerful-message/article_c992f97a-c1a8-53d0-a005-deaca71a3ca5.html

nationalguild.org/programs/training-learning/groundwork/people

www.smilepolitely.com/arts/the_writers_of_oyas_debut_collection_of_poetry_unmasks_their_serious_power/

Donate to Writers of Oya

$5.00

These funds will go towards Writers of Oya's materials, transportation, and development which contributes to the growth of our group.