Reel Artsy Lansing - Socialight Poetry Night

Join Socialight Society for a night of thought-provoking spoken word and poetry. They're hosting a Good Friday Poetry Night featuring Kamyrn Whitfield, Keyante Saxton, Nyshell Lawrence, Jonathan Lawrence and Najeema Iman. This Black-owned indie book shop is one of our favorites-- it's a great place to gather, network, and to soak up loads of knowledge from a beautifully curated collection of Black authors. 

Keyante Saxton

April is National Poetry Month so come and be surrounded stacks of classic poems (available for purchase) and be encouraged by the artistry of emerging talents like Keyante Saxton, aka "KT The Conscious Poet."

The event is free and runs from 6pm - 8pm inside the Lansing Mall. 

For more info visit Socialight Society's website, Instagram and Facebook. 

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Reel Artsy Lansing - Socialight Society

Socialight Society is an oasis of Black thought, a real-life treasure trove where Black women and their writings are treated with the utmost reverence. As you step inside of Socialight you are greeted with the warm smile of its owner, Nyshell Lawrence, the stylist guide to this engaging vortex of exquisite, and carefully curated, collection of books-- (the shop buzzes with ancestral knowledge). Your senses will be awakened with fragrant candles crafted by Black artisans, and walls adorned with colorful posters and artwork highlighting the genius of Black women authors like Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, Octavia Butler, and local Michigan authors as well. It's a visual kaleidoscope of Black girl magic in the here and now. You need a few moments to drink it all in-- because it's aesthetics are worthy of awe. 

It's a book store and a gathering space for the community-- Socialight Society is on the road to becoming a destination spot and mecca for lovers of Black literature. The Pure Michigan campaign needs to hurry up and add this remarkable independent-owned book shop to its tourism website as soon as possible, because it's one of the Lansing area's unique attractions. 

Socialight Society also features a well-crafted event list including children's story time, a book club and poetry readings. 

"My life + work is a celebration of Black womanhood. I started Socialight Society as a creative safe space where Black women can feel seen and celebrated." - Nyshell Lawrence

It's not just a book store, it's a spiritual and intellectual experience. One that every Black woman deserves. If you're in the Midwest it should be on your must-see list. And honestly, if you're a lover of books, it's worth the travel even if you're far away. Next time you book a flight to Detroit, enjoy the big city and then head over to Lansing and check out Socialight Society firsthand for a memorable and nourishing experience. 

For more info visit their website and Instagram.

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Reel Artsy Lansing - Juice Nation

This Black-owned juicery located in the heart of Downtown Lansing is one of my favorite spots in the city (and the State). Juice Nation offers an amazing selection of organic raw juices, fresh smoothies, smoothie bowls, and curated detox juice bundles to help get your body and digestive system on track! The owners offer a wealth of health knowledge, the staff is super friendly, and you can confidently go about your day knowing that you are putting quality ingredients in your system. My favorite go-to Juice Nation snacks are the chocolate peanut butter smoothie, and the acai bowl. 

Juice Nation is a beacon of Black Wellness in the community. It's the perfect spot to grab a cold-pressed juice for a picnic at the park, or a smoothie after a kayak ride on the Grand River. Or you can cozy up with the Vanilla Bean Mocha for a movie night. Yum!

Juice Nation is has 3 locations in the Lansing, Michigan area. For more info visit their Facebook and Website. 

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Reel Artsy Lansing - James Gardin Concert

Raw, thought-provoking and full of vulnerability. James Gardin offers an emotionally-stirring live performance at the Robin Theatre in Lansing, Michigan. His album, I Probably Wrote This While Crying resonates deeply with matters of the heart, and captures a brilliant snapshot of the happy/sad moments of life during pandemic, and leaves the audience with a well-mapped out journey of hope and beauty through the tattered quest of finding true self love and acceptance. It’s the perfect moody soundtrack to usher you through the dark days of winter that gently reminds you that brighter times are to come.

Melissa Carter was the opener for Gardin. Her soulful “Solo” vibes were complimentary to the artistry of the night. Carter and Gardin shared the stage on a track where Carter skillfully brought the crowd alive with her delicious honey-soaked vocals that reverberated in the small but packed venue. You’ll want to add James Gardin and Melissa Carter to your Ones To Watch list. 

Instagram: @ JamesGardinMusic

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