PHOTOS: Mediums Collective Hosts Brown Voices Poetry & Spoken Word Night
Last Friday, the Mediums Collective storefront on Capitol Hill was transformed into a powerful sanctuary for “palabras sin miedo” (words without fear). The collective’s “Brown Voices Poetry & Spoken Word Night” successfully gathered local artists and community members to share stories that resonated with themes of resilience, advocacy, and resistance.
The event quickly became a vibrant hub for Black and brown creative expression. Co-founder Julio Cesar Maldonado shared that the event's deep inspiration came from the lived immigrant experience. As a DACA recipient who has been in the U.S. for 25 years, Maldonado spoke candidly about the emotional difficulties of navigating a political climate where families are often separated by policy. The gathering, he explained, was conceived as a necessary, positive outlet to alleviate this pressure through community building and fostering high consciousness.
Attendees were treated to a curated lineup of local performers, which was followed by a dynamic open mic session. Storytellers and poets utilized the stage to their fullest, all within an atmosphere defined by the founders’ principle of “puro respeto.” This commitment ensured a safe space where everyone felt empowered to express themselves without fear.
The poetry night is part of a larger 2026 initiative by owners Roger and Cesar Maldonado to evolve their retail space into a true center for intentional community activation. As the collective expands its footprint to include a photography studio and sewing area, it continues to solidify its mission: prioritizing and creating platforms for marginalized voices within the Seattle landscape.
How to stay connected with Mediums Collective:
Catch updates and visuals on Instagram and other platforms
Sign up for their newsletter for first access to upcoming "Build Your Own Brand" workshops and limited-capacity events at mediumscollective.com.
Visit the flagship storefront at 705 E Pike St.
Photos curated by Erik Kalligraphy
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