Poetic Vibes is an artistic environment for creatives and lovers of poetry and spoken word. Inspiration, cultivation, and representation of our individual life experiences and challenges draw us together to wade in a watering hole of kinetic synergy. #PoeticVibesDC Poetic Vibes is created and hosted by Harvey Fitz in conjunction with The Anacostia Arts Center. It takes place every first Friday of each month. Our February 7th session will feature Poet Laureate KaNikki J. Doors open at 8;00pm,and we start at 9:00pm.

Given the name KaNikki, being interpreted as “great writer” at birth, KaNikki is living up to her name. With three decades of writing and over twenty seven years on the poetry scene, KaNikki Jakarta has opened for Jill Scott, Raheem DeVaughn, and Lyfe Jennings. Currently holding the title as the First African American Poet Laureate of the City of Alexandria in the state of Virginia, her presence has been seen on stages of café’s, churches, educational institutions, and theaters. Her voice has been heard on a host of radio and internet radio shows. She’s been featured and interviewed on local TV access stations. Her poems have been featured on the trolleys and buses in Alexandria, Virginia. She has toured the US and the UK and as a result, KaNikki’s spoken word performances, hosting talents, and facilitating skills are sought after by fans all over the country. Founding, facilitating, and hosting 16 presentations in the last 16 years, ranging from open mics, award ceremonies, conferences, workshops, and online writing groups, this award winning poet, author, facilitator writes and recites what she calls, “real life fiction” that touches her listeners to the core. She writes fiction that mirrors real life, and facilitates workshops/conferences that changes lives.

As an author, KaNikki Jakarta published a book of and short stories and poem in 2019 entitled: ALABAMA GIRL, VIRGINIA WOMAN. Her previous poetry collection entitled: THE SKILLZ OF A SISTAH illustrated by Bobbie Brient Jr. three novels: IN REAL LIFE, THE COLOR BLUE, & THE OTHER SIDE OF PRETTY and featured an on-going readers series entitled BURNING BRIDGES, published by Experience Reality Magazine and a memoir entitled A PEACE OF MINE, How to be the wife of an Epileptic, Honor your vows, and honor yourself.

As a facilitator, KaNikki Jakarta co-founded a women’s conference entitled FAB (Friend About Business) and founded a women’s writer’s group entitled Write Like A Woman. In addition, she facilitates The Book Writer’s Brunch and creates specialty workshops for girls and women with the motivation to uplift and inspire. Founder of NUSPA (National Underground Spoken word Poetry Awards), she wears many hats as an artist.

She’s an advocate for the art of poetry and spoken word and strives to create platforms of safe spaces to highlight the talents of other artists. She hosts 1st Monday’s Open Mic Night entitled KANIKKI HARMONY at Busboys and Poetry in Virginia. If you think that something she says on the microphone might change your life; you’re probably right!