Tulsa Poetry Collective Sparks Change Through Art

Poetry is more than just words on a page. It can be a tool with which to build community and speak out against injustice. Alyssa Brown, a representative of the Tulsa poetry collective, Sundays in the Studio explained how their collective is putting poetry to action. 

The poetry collective began in May of 2022, but its roots go back to early 2021 when three Tulsa poets started regularly meeting and performing. In the beginning Brown worked with Zhenya Yevtushenko to found the group. Together they joined with the organization Poetic Justice and started gathering poets together for readings. Now, with event spaces provided by local venues like The Studio Tulsa and Thelma’s Peach, the collective has grown.

The collective’s goal is more than just the promotion of the spoken and written word. Brown said they hope to foster an accessible and inclusive space where “artists of any caliber [can] share their stories and feel celebrated and seen.” Beyond the circle of artists themselves, the collective emphasizes local charities with each event to give back to the wider community. 

“Sundays is a place of belonging and my goal is to make sure every human walking in the door feels embraced,” Brown said. 

The collective hopes to expand beyond their regular events. “We have discussed having a book market for our folks with published material, more events that meld musicians and poets, pop-ups at favorite locals spots, and special events that focus on specific topics we are passionate about,” Brown said. 

Follow them on Instagram and message them to get involved. Attend some of their upcoming events. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 22: “Oklahoma is Not OK” at 6 pm at Chimera. An event fostering open conversation about the fight for bodily autonomy in Oklahoma. The entry fee is any donation you can make. All money raised will go to the Roe Fund. 

November 27: “Fighting for their Freedom” at The Studio Tulsa from 12-3pm. An event focused on justice for Iranian women and protesters.