Storytellers can enjoy an evening of community open mic on Friday, July 7, with Aliento. The youth-led community organization and art advocacy group is hosting the event, themed “Growing Up” or “Creciendo” at Phoenix Youth Hostel and Cultural Center.

The community is invited to attend and explore the question of who and what raised you?

Performers will share songs, stories, dances, poems and reflections about this subject, and everyone is invited to take to the stage and speak their voice.

The evening will be an important reflection on how people, ideas, objects, places, events and experiences work together to shape our views, lives and personalities. Under the surface, every one has a personal narrative of strong emotion, whether that be anger, stress, pain, wonder, or joy. While many of these stories connect to the Aliento community and the experience of being undocumented or migrants, everyone is invited to share their story regardless of experience.

Aliento First Fridays’ Open Mic is open to all and is meant to be a safe, welcoming community gathering. Everyone is encouraged to tell their story- it is by no means necessary to have a “perfect” piece or lots of experience.

This is one way that Aliento strives to transform challenges into inspiration and connections. 

For more information, please visit the official website and mark your calendars for next Friday at 7:30 p.m. 

Phoenix Youth Hostel and Cultural Center is located at 1026 N. 9th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85006.