The Black is a Poem (BIAP) Open Mic Series began in Brooklyn, New York, in the living rooms of Black LGBTQIA+ artists. We are now located in the occupied Nation of Hawai'i.                                                                                      

BIAP is a space for artists who have anxiety, depression, stage fright, are neurodistinct (term coined by BlackNeurodiversity) or on the spectrum, have disabilities, or just support the idea that art spaces should be more inclusive.

Our Virtual Open Mic series began in February 2021, as a way to process the depression, anxiety, and uncertainty of the pandemic. Our digital poetry archive series features content created by artists featured at the open mics, available for purchase, as of late 2021. Thank you for your interest in supporting Black artists!