Spit Dat in Residence

Basic the Bassist, born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and currently living in Baltimore, Maryland, is a multi-talented 27 year-old artist who has been making waves in the music scene for over a decade. Known for his profound musical abilities, Basic is not just a bassist but also a skilled guitarist and proficient in various other instruments. His diverse musical talent is showcased through his ability to sing, rap, and compose original music across a broad spectrum of genres, ranging from funk, jazz, and soul to hip-hop and R&B.

@funkslave

Lakendra-Laverne Tuyeni-Akanke Smith, known as “The Master Educator,” is a 36-year-old Renaissance Woman with deep roots in Chicago. Her multifaceted career spans across education, art, and activism, underscoring her commitment to holistic development and social justice. Born and raised in Chicago, Tuyeni’s journey began with a pen, a pad, and a fervent passion for music, writing and education. By the age of eight, she was already recognized as a Chicago Young Author, setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to education and the arts. Tuyeni’s academic achievements continued into adulthood with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations and Fashion Merchandising from Howard University, a prestigious African American institution. She furthered her education by earning two Master’s degrees in Education from Lesley University, a testament to her commitment to teaching and learning. Tuyeni’s work is all rooted in trauma-informed and trauma-responsive awareness and practices. In 2017, she debuted “Let Me Be Free: When the Chains of Life No Longer Suffice,” an audiobook and poetic memoir exploring her personal trauma and healing. The second edition, “Let Me Be Free: It Is Written,” a book of poetry and prose was published in December 2020, further cementing her voice in literature and self-discovery. Tuyeni is the founder of The Home Girl Huddle, a multigenerational sisterhood focused on the healing, transformation and empowerment of descendents of the Transatlantic slave trade. In 2018, Tuyeni made the pivotal decision to become a full-time entrepreneur, aligning with her destiny, and bringing her creative endeavors to life. She founded Truth Inspires You Education Consulting (TIY), an organization dedicated to addressing holistic education, while creating solutions for the mental health and illiteracy crises that plague so many. As a distinguished performing artist, Tuyeni has graced the stages of renowned venues such as Northwestern Law School, The Goodman Theater, The Chicago South Side Community Art Center, and the historic Green Mill. She has performed alongside acclaimed artists including Rhymefest and Leon Rogers, as well as many other talents from across the country. Her powerful performances of theater and poetry earned her two nominations for Best Female Spoken Word Artist at the National Spoken Word Awards. Her work resonates with audiences across Chicago and beyond, inspiring through authenticity and transformative energy. Tuyeni Akanke is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, reflecting her commitment to service and community engagement. She has a special place in her heart for her birth chapter, Alpha Chapter founded in 1920 at Howard University. With a profound respect for her ancestors and a deep spiritual journey, Tuyeni Akanke continues to inspire and lead through her diverse talents and unwavering dedication. She is currently curating Chi Love Chicago, a weekly open mic and transformative movement bringing wholeness and cultivating a culture of goodness, accountability and creative expression for members of Chicago’s African diaspora. Whether in the classroom, on stage, at the office or through her various community initiatives, Tuyeni Akanke embodies a transformative presence—one that is audacious, enlightening, whimsical and empowering

DREW ANDERSON, a science teacher turned teaching artist, poet turned parodist, and marathon runner turned motivational speaker, is as hard to define as he is to ignore. Known lovingly throughout DC’s performing arts world as “Droopy the Broke Baller”, Drew is founder and co-host of Spit Dat, the longest-running open mic in DC. Recipient of the prestigious DC Arts and Humanities Fellowship presented by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Drew has recently merged his decade-plus of artistic acumen and educational expertise to develop Spoof School, a dynamic arts education integration residency which teaches students of all ages how to make learning fun by “making fun” of their learning.

Miko Reed is a native Washingtonian and Army Veteran. As founder of Have A Voice, LLC, she curates events and gives a platform to give voice to all, especially marginalized communities. She completed her Executive Masters in Leadership from Georgetown University in 2019 and her book, Eggshells In Soft Black Hands, was an Amazon bestseller in August, 2021. She is an author of a book of fiction and a contributing editor to several publications and books.