Poster Design by Richard Lopez

/// About Giles Li ///

Giles Li is executive director of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, as well as a nationally recognized performance poet and community educator. His writing has been taught in curricula across the country, including Pomona College and the El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice in Brooklyn. His poetry has been published in several places, including ESPN.com and the Asian American Literary Review. He was one of three featured artists in the documentary film Art Beyond Borders, produced by the Transnational Studies Initiative at Harvard University, and also starred in the award-winning short comedy film The Humberville Poetry Slam. This feature set is his first performance in four years.


/// About East Meets Words ///

In March 2005, the bookstore held its first monthly open mic. Now, over 132 open mics later, East Meets Words is one of the longest running Asian American open mic series in the country, and one of the main hubs of Asian American art and activism on the east coast.

At the open mic, participants can sign up to sing, spit, dance, play music, or share a story. Everyone is welcome. The space is especially appreciative of work that challenges stereotypes and amplifies marginalized voices. Time is set aside at each open mic for community announcements, meant to raise awareness about social justice issues in the greater Boston area.

Each month, we also feature an Asian American artist or group, who will perform a full-length set after the open mic portion of the evening. Past features have ranged from nationally known artists such as Beau Sia and Kelly Tsai to local creatives like you and me. 

We strive to create a safer space and a platform for artists and non-artists to perform work of all stages. Everyone is welcome to attend and sign up on the open mic. The space is especially appreciative of work that challenges stereotypes and amplifies marginalized voices - prioritizing API performers. Time is set aside at each open mic for community announcements, meant to raise awareness about social justice issues in the greater Boston area.


/// Accessibility ///

Our space is chair accessible. We will prioritize chair access in the aisles. 

Two single-stall, gender-neutral restrooms are available, one up a flight of stairs and one on the main floor with a step from the main entrance. 

Please come fragrance free! For the health and safety of organizers, panelists, and other attendees, we ask you not to wear scented products or clothing that has recently been smoked in. For more information: http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html

Wellness Squad members will be present at the event to facilitate emotional and community safety.

/// Directions ///

Red line: Take the T to Central and walk towards Harvard Square on Mass Ave, or take the 1 bus down the street. 

Free street parking is available but typically difficult to find after 6PM on Fridays. Visitors can pay for parking in Central Square (https://www.cambridgema.gov/traffic/Parking/cityparkingfacilities/cityparkinggarages.aspx), or take the T. EMW Bookstore is right between two chair accessible stops, Harvard Square and Central Square on the Red Line.