For the past three years, Pass the Word VI has created space for Virgin Islanders to share their stories, whether through poetry, personal reflections, or spoken-word performances. This week, the community arts organization will mark that milestone with a special anniversary celebration centered on the power of generational storytelling.
Pass the Word VI will host its third anniversary spoken word open mic from 7 – 9 p.m. Thursday at Cutlass and Cane. This year’s theme, “Generational Truths,” invites participants to reflect on the lessons, values, and experiences that have been passed down through generations, as well as the truths they hope to leave behind for those who follow.
Adding another creative element to the evening, local artist Augustin Kevin Holder will create a live painting inspired by the performances as they unfold. Founded in 2023 by Katie Landry, Pass the Word VI has grown into a creative writing gathering place for poets, storytellers, and writers of all experience levels. Through open mics, writing workshops, and collaborative events, the organization encourages community members to share their voices while fostering meaningful conversations through art.
Landry said the organization’s name is rooted in a New Orleans tradition where neighbors, friends, and family gather informally to exchange stories and experiences. “We had no way of knowing who would walk through the door, who would find the courage to step up to the microphone, or how deeply this community would grow,” Landry said.
Since its founding, Pass the Word VI has partnered with a number of Virgin Islands writers and artists, including Tiphanie Yanique, April Glasgow, Hadiya Sewer, and Linette Rabsatt, offering workshops and events designed to make creative expression accessible to the broader community.
As the organization celebrates its third anniversary, Landry is encouraging both longtime supporters and first-time attendees to join the celebration. “Everyone who has ever shared a poem, listened from the audience, volunteered, brought a friend, or simply believe in what we’re building, come celebrate with us,” Landry said.
The anniversary event is one of several upcoming programs planned by Pass the Word VI this month. On Saturday, the organization will host “Write and Flow” at Brewers Bay beginning at 9 a.m., combining a guided yoga session with a creative writing workshop designed to inspire reflection and self-expression.
Pass the Word VI has also launched “Archival Poetics,” a six-part monthly series held on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at My Brother’s Workshop. The program explores how family photographs, letters, journals, newspaper archives, and other historical materials can serve as inspiration for poetry while helping participants preserve personal and community histories. The series is open to writers of all experience levels.
For information about upcoming events, visit Pass the Word VI on Facebook and Instagram.
