VOICES OF THE REVOLUTION
SPOKEN WORD AS ACTIVISM • SPOKEN WORD AS ACTIVISM • SPOKEN WORD AS ACTIVISM • SPOKEN WORD AS ACTIVISM •
ABOUT
Voices of the Revolution is an eclectic ensemble of feminist voices speaking truth and justice through spoken word. Established in 2018 and based in Lansing, Michigan, they perform in libraries, community centers, churches, art galleries, and music festivals, including the National Women's Music Festival and the Women in the Arts Festival. Their performances feature original poetry as well as poems from poets such as Pat Parker, Gloria Anzaldúa, and June Jordan. Their debut poetry collection, Poems from the Resisterhood, was released in 2025 and features original poetry from each member.
In 2023 they began an impactful, loving collaboration with pianist, playwright and composer Adrienne Torf discovering the force of words and music together. In 2024 they were invited to Washington, D.C. to perform with the Theater Alliance's production of Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience. In 2025, they were featured in Sistrum Lansing Women's Chorus' performance of Dr. Andrea Ramsey's Suffrage Cantata.
Known collectively as the "stunning sisterhood" by a dedicated following of friends and supporters, the members of Voices have individual chapbooks, lead writing workshops, produce poetry events and perform at open mics. Each brings their own unique perspective and history spanning age and background. Their alliance is based on love, respect, and power that goes back decades.
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We believe that poetry is the most powerful weapon against silence. Our mission is to amplify the voices of the silenced and transform spoken word into a catalyst for systemic change.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY VOICES
SHELIA BURKS
KIM GRIFFIN
Shelia is a passionate poet whose words are rooted in truth, healing, and empowerment. Her poetry gives voice to the unspoken and celebrates the beauty and resilience of lived experience. In addition to writing, Shelia brings her artistry to life through theater and singing—using the stage and her voice as vessels of connection and expression.
Kim is a spoken word performer, a Detroit native, and a founding member of Voices of the Revolution. Her love for the stage began in her teens as a member of her church choir. During her time at Howard University, she discovered a passion for community theater, performing in productions including A Raisin in the Sun and other stage performances. She uses her voice to uplift, champion sisterhood, and inspire empowerment.
SUSAN HARRIS
Susan is a poet and spoken word performer based in Lansing, MI. She has been performing at poetry events in and around Lansing for over 35 years. She is a founding member of 2 Broads and a Butch productions (she’s the Butch in that venture) and Voices of the Revolution, a feminist spoken word ensemble. She has a self-published chapbook: The Substance of Things (Hoped For) (2008).
LAURIE HOLLINGER
Laurie Hollinger is a poet and writer, a recovering journalist, and a founding member of Voices of the Revolution. Her work has appeared in the VOTR chapbook Poems from the Resisterhood, the anthology My Secret Lansing, and periodicals including East Lansing Art Festival Poetry Journal, Lansing State Journal, Greater Lansing Woman, Lansing City Pulse, and others. She serves as the Assistant Director of the RCAH Center for Poetry at Michigan State University and lives in Lansing with her partner and their beloved elderly rescue pup Bonita.
TARI Muñiz
Tari is a Lesbian Latina Disabled poet, performer, and producer. She is a founding member of Two Broads and a Butch productions and Voices of the Revolution, a feminist spoken word collective. Her poetry and essays cover the span of topics from gardening to radical justice. Tari’s debut book of poetry is Pull Up A Chair. Her work has been published in Voices of the Revolution – Poems from the Resisterhood. Tari’s superhero name is Big Mama.
RUELAINE STOKES
Ruelaine is a Lansing Poet Laureate Emerita. A spoken word performer and arts organizer, she has worked for decades to establish a growing poetry community in the Greater Lansing Area. Her poetry can be found in Jar of Plenty (2021) and 4 Against the Wall (2005). In 2023, she and Lansing Poet Laureate Emerita Laura Apol edited a book entitled My Secret Lansing. During Ruelaine's term as Lansing Poet Laureate, she envisioned and oversaw the creation of a poetry pathway within the Tollgate Wetlands in Lansing, in addition to forming a monthly performance series entitled "Pzazz, an afternoon of poetry and jazz." For more information, see https://www.ruelainestokes.com
LISA SARNO
Lisa is a poet, musician, and performer based in Flint, Michigan. She is an avid networker and informal community organizer who believes in the expression and power of resistance. She is a member of The Voices of the Revolution, a women’s poetry powerhouse based in Lansing, Michigan. Lisa published her first book of poetry, Grasping at Stars (Dec.2024), and was named a finalist in the 2025 Golden Crown Literary Society Awards. More of Lisa’s work has been published in Voices of the Revolution Poems from the Resisterhood in April of 2025. Lisa discovered the perfect blend of art and expression through live spoken word and musical performances. She was the featured poet in Threading Moonbows, a performance that included The Happen Dance Group from Okemos and the Kalamazoo based musical trio, Aurora and Antheia. In May, Lisa co-produced and performed in Adrienne Torf’s the Awesome Difficult Work of Love, in Flint, Michigan. Moving forward, Lisa looks towards facilitating a week-long poetry immersive workshop at The Women Performing Instruments (WPI) using June Jordan’s framework: Poetry for the People: A Revolutionary Blueprint.