An Empowering Night with Lynae Vanee at Reggie’s in Chicago
Written and Captured By | Sholome Geldres
What an unforgettable night. On Tuesday, July 28, Lynae Vanee brought her Black Women Deserve Poems tour to Reggies in Chicago, delivering an evening that blended poetry, film, and meaningful conversation. Her performance was powerful, thought-provoking, and left the audience inspired to reflect and take action.
The night opened with an energetic performance by Chicago native Zion Ali. From the moment he stepped on stage, he captivated the crowd with his infectious positivity and commanding presence. His music was filled with messages of love, empowerment, and self-affirmation, creating an uplifting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. His passion and authenticity made for a memorable opening act.
When Lynae Vanee took the stage, she immediately commanded the audience’s attention. She opened with a spoken-word poem that was delivered with raw emotion, blending passion, frustration, and vulnerability. Every word resonated throughout the room, and the audience remained fully engaged as she shared her experiences and perspective. Her ability to connect through poetry made for an intimate and impactful performance.
Following her poetry, Lynae screened her short film, SUNDAYS IN THE OVERFLOW. The film beautifully complemented the themes explored in her spoken word, using simple yet intentional storytelling to create a deeply moving experience. Every scene felt purposeful, allowing the audience to fully absorb the emotions behind her work. Rather than relying on elaborate visuals, the film’s strength came from its honesty and thoughtful execution, making it both accessible and emotionally powerful.
The evening concluded with a panel discussion moderated by educator Erest Crim III, who is dedicated to preserving and teaching Black history. Joining the conversation was Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., son of Chairman Fred Hampton and deputy chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party. Together, they explored topics including community, activism, and the importance of preserving Black history and culture during a time when those stories are often overlooked or erased.
The discussion served as the perfect conclusion to an already impactful evening. One of the biggest takeaways was the reminder that meaningful change begins with strengthening our communities. By building genuine relationships, supporting one another, and remaining connected, we create a stronger foundation to address larger social issues. Their conversation reinforced the idea that collective action has a far greater impact than individual efforts alone.
Overall, Black Women Deserve Poems was more than a performance—it was an experience rooted in art, education, and empowerment. Through poetry, film, and honest dialogue, Lynae Vanee created a space that encouraged reflection, inspired conversation, and reminded everyone in attendance of the importance of community and collective action.