Seattle poet Rajnii Eddins, founder of The Poetry Experience, hosted a book reading and signing event in 2023 at the African Streetwear Gallery TASWIRA. Among an engaged audience of artists, friends, and fans, Eddins shared words from his book, ‘In The Coded Language Of This Mortal Tongue’, in an event he described as a "blessing of performance" that featured live instrumental music.

The evening emphasized community and reflection, following a youth workshop Eddins hosted earlier that day for approximately 26 students. Eddins shared that his creative efforts focus on "celebrating Black people while finding ways to sensitize human beings across the spectrum to the value of shared humanity.” 

The night was also the debut for South African Artist Lele Msibi, who was showcasing her work in a public space for the first time. South African author and media personality Abby Plaatjes expressed awe at Msibi’s art, mentioning that it took the artist over 2,000 hours to create. 

Learn more about Rajnii Eddins on his website, rajniieddins.com.