Poets and performers filled the North Austin Branch Library on Saturday for a West Side Poetry Slam celebrating National Poetry Month and honoring the late Brad Cummings, founder of The Austin Voice.
Cummings passed away last year in a fatal North Avenue fire along with three members of the Brown Henry family. The tribute honored Cummings for giving the West Side a voice and supporting poets across Chicago
The poets shared original works and tributes that highlighted the power of words to connect and inspire the community.
Doreen Ambrose-Van Lee, one of the founding members of the Library Poetry Group, dedicated a poem to Cummings. She said it was important to center the event around him because every poet on the West Side had been featured in The Austin Voice and they were shocked and saddened when they learned of his death.
“The last time I saw him was last year at a breast cancer event. I remember handing him one of the poems he had printed, ‘Never Give Up,’ and that was the first time I ever did that outside of a poetry event. Something just told me to let him know who I am. I had met him several times before, but I wanted him to know that I was dedicating ‘Never Give Up’ to him for printing my poetry. I remember giving it to him and then standing on stage to read the poem,” Lee said.
Lee said that having work printed by Cummings meant a great deal, that seeing poetry in print is a powerful experience.
“I just love poetry. I feel that whenever I read a poem, pieces of me come out and when I hear others read their work, pieces of them come through to me,” Lee said.
Patrice Manson was one of the individuals who shared her poetry. After living on the West Side for years, Manson joined a small group of about six people, which gave her the opportunity to express herself in front of others.
She shared a poem with her colleague Norina, a quiet supporter of the group who never shared her own work publicly. After Norina’s passing, Manson learned she had been an accomplished poet, prompting her to perform a tribute in her honor.
“She was a silent poet. She always came to support us, but she never really recited any poetry,” Manson said.
In addition, Manson honored Cummings in a poem, saying it was a way to reciprocate the recognition he had shown her and others at the North Austin Branch, Chicago Public Library.
A young participant is lifted as she recites a poem during a community poetry event at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.) 
Attendees listen attentively during a community poetry reading at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.) 
An attendee reacts while listening to a poetry reading at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.) 
A speaker reads from the podium during a National Poetry Month event at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.) 
A display of poetry books sits on a table during a National Poetry Month event at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.) 
An attendee reads a printed poem during a National Poetry Month event at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.) 
A participant performs poetry during a community event at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.) 
A wide view shows attendees listening to poetry readings at the North Austin Branch Library on Chicago’s West Side, April 2026. (Kenn Cook Jr.)
Vernon D. Jr., who performs under the stage name Poetry Soulchild, used his singing voice to tell his stories and bring his poetry to life.
“It’s been a great pleasure to express my words through singing and poetry and to touch the lives of people who may never have experienced them together. I like to bring something different to the table. One of my inspirations is the great Maya Angelou and I’ve also been inspired by the great Michael Jackson. Combining music and poetry reflects these two influences,” Jr. said.
For those new to poetry or exploring it during National Poetry Month, Jr.’s advice was to first make sure poetry is truly what they want to pursue.
“You want to make sure you can be consistent if you truly want to pursue it. Also, make sure you feel called to do it and remain humble, because there are great opportunities in poetry and music,” Jr said.