In this episode of Theo’s Coffee Break, I sit down with thee Shayna “Akanke” Marie who is a poet, art activist, creative entrepreneur, and quiet force behind so many of Grand Rapids’ truth-telling spaces.

As the founder of Akanke’s Room, narrative strategist at The Diatribe, and collaborator on projects like A City Within A City, GRMiFi (Media Initiative & Film Incubator), and Reaching Beyond Bias; Shayna has built rooms where art and activism meet healing and transformation.

In this coffee break session we talk about:

• When poetry first became her language
• Building Akanke’s Room as a sanctuary for truth-telling
• Balancing art and entrepreneurship as a creative woman of color
• Her role as an “accidental historian” in Grand Rapids’ collective memory
• What she’s learned from years of working with youth
• And how she sustains hope while carrying the weight of community work

This conversation is as much about wisdom as it is about witness. I hope it reminds you of the power of words and the rooms we choose to build for one another.

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So until next time… take good care of yourself. And remember: the coffee’s always on and ready to pour here at Theo’s Coffee Break. But most importantly...

You are always welcome at my coffee table.