Exit Interview | Aris Kian | Sounds of Solidarity | 2024

Continuing our mission to foster unity between Black and South Asian Americans, this episode features the talented Aris Kian, an amazing poet and Houston’s Poet Laureate (2023 to 2025).

Aris Kian, a leading voice in both the poetry and Houston organizing spheres, takes center stage as our project’s lead collaborator. Ranked #2 in the 2023 Womxn of the World Poetry Slam and a former Inprint C. Glenn Cambor Fellow, she is celebrated for her compelling spoken word performances that confront issues of identity, justice, and community head-on.

Drawing from her lived experiences as a Black woman and her advocacy for marginalized voices, Aris’s poetry resonates profoundly with the themes of solidarity and the dismantling of systemic barriers. As we confront the persistent shadow of anti-Blackness within the South Asian American community and society at large, Aris’s verses serve as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by the Black community, both locally in Houston and on a national scale.

Our project transcends boundaries and creates a space for dialogue, healing, and empowerment. Join us as we explore the intersections of these two dynamic art forms and amplify voices like Aris Kian’s, driving positive change and building bridges across communities.

Don’t miss this beautiful performance and the opportunity to be part of a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable future. #solidarity #blacksolidarity #southasian #desi #bipoc #qawwali #spokenword #poet #houstonartist