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VANCOUVER, Wash. – Spoken-word artist Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai will perform at Washington State University Vancouver’s Marquee Diversity event at 7 p.m. March 27 in the Dengerink Administration building, room 110. Hosted by Student Diversity, the event is free and open to registered guests on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, visit .

Tsai is a Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based, Chinese-Taiwanese-American poet who uses spoken-word performances to fight for cultural pride and survival. As a teenager, she developed a passion for spoken word at the birthplace of the international poetry slam movement—the Uptown Poetry Slam in Chicago. Over the last 10 years, she has become one of the country's leading innovators of spoken-word poetry.

Bola Majekobaje, assistant director of Student Diversity, believes the event will be resonate with the community, particularly students who are passionate about spoken word, writing, poetry and art.

“Tsai’s diverse artistic and community work covers everything from empowerment of underrepresented people to women’s issues, youth activism, Asian-American empowerment and more,” said Majekobaje. “Through her stories and poetry, the audience will have a chance to ‘explore diversity,’ which is a student learning outcome for the Student Diversity office.”

Phillip Nguyen, the Student Diversity peer mentor responsible for coordinating the event, views Tsai as a performer who reaches beyond the confines of the spoken word.

“Tsai brings a fresh, innovative perspective that digs deep into social justice issues, human equality and inclusivity. It will start with Kelly center stage, inspiring and invigorating our student body with her liquid lyrics, and the night will close with a meet-and-greet reception,” said Nguyen.

Tsai is an award-winning, spoken-word poet, playwright and filmmaker whose work has been featured at more than 500 venues worldwide including the White House, the Apollo Theater, the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. She has shared stages with Mos Def, Tracy Morgan, Harry Belafonte, Tyra Banks Drake and more. Kelly has been profiled on AngryAsianMan.com’s “30 Most Influential Asian Americans Under 30” and featured on three seasons of HBO’s “Def Poetry.”

Held semiannually, 91�ԹϺ�����’s Marquee Diversity event features nationally recognized speakers and performers with the goal of bringing issues of diversity, social justice and multiculturalism to the community. A committee of students and staff chooses the event speakers for fall and spring.

91�ԹϺ����� is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205 and is accessible via C-Tran bus service. Free parking for this event will be available in Orange Lot 2 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Bola Majekobaje, Assistant Director for Student Diversity, 360-546-9568,

majekoba@vancouver.wsu.edu

Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu