La Toya A. Hampton, MSW artistically known as The Poet Lady Rose brings her film Petals and Thorns: A Spoken Word Journey to the Race Talks community, using it as the basis for discussion of how writing and spoken word has a role in both empowering and being the voice of unheard and underserved populations, bringing awareness to societal ills, the need for change, and serving as a spark that challenges, informs, and enlightens, while inspiring discussion, action and activism. A panel discussion and artist talk back will take place following the film screening, and attendees while in their breakout sessions, will have the opportunity to create their own poem that highlights the parts of their identity that defines their purpose, enhances their belonging to various communities and aids in their own brand of activism.

The short film Petals and Thorns: A Spoken Word Journey, commissioned by Portland Playhouse as part of their Return to Wonderland 2022 short film festival, follows the experience of a group of Black Portland teens–Nathaniel, Aaliyah, Alyssa and Olivia in an intensive writing and spoken word camp facilitated by La Toya A. Hampton, MSW aka The Poet Lady Rose. Follow their journey as they go from novice writers to creating their own poetry that tells the story of living as a youth in the COVID-era, which culminates in their triumphant first public performance.

…this story highlights Black excellence and storytelling in a unique and captivating documentary.

—Barr, A. (2022, September 23) ‘Portland Playhouse Highlights Local Artists in Film Festival’ Willamette Week.