The Surviving the Mic Open Mic + Live Podcast is a brave space performance + interview series for survivors of sexual harm.

The Surviving the Mic Open Mic takes place from 7-9pm, at the Experimental Station, located at 6100 S. Blackstone, Chicago, IL.

THIS MONTH’S FEATURE: Cherlnell Lane

Cherlnell Lane is an author, poet, speaker, advocate, and facilitator. Her tagline is “Baring my soul to heal yours” and Lane does just that by using her words to create incredible worlds and stories mending the souls and opening minds of those who are touched by her work. Writing about topics such as mental health, love, abuse and the super amazing powers of black women.

Cherlnell uses her life experiences to inspire others. Often seen as a storyteller, her work has transcended genres and covers a multitude of emotions. In 2018, Lane’s passion for the spoken word put her in the position to host “The National Poetry Slam” Disability Open Mic and to feature at Surviving The Mic. Cherlnell Lane has performed for the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and the South Side Community Art Center.

Cherlnell started “Writing Through It Workshops” and “Healing Through It Summits” to help people reveal, deal, and heal from negative emotions while commemorating and celebrating the positive ones. The programs use writing and other healing techniques to help women mend from different traumas. Online classes will be available before the holiday.

“Confessions of the Other Woman” (2013) and “Tales of an Undiscovered Writer” (2014) [E-Book], written under the pseudonym, Cookie Battles are collections of poetry and short stories are available on Amazon. Lane’s work can also be found in other publications. You can contact Cherlnell by email, cherlnell@cherlnell.com or on IG @cherlnell and find out more information by visiting her website www.cherlnell.com. Cherlnell Lane is a roaring fire, under a cool demeanor, with a kind soul, that she shares authentically in hopes of healing the world.

Anyone over 14 at any level of experience is invited to share their poetry, music, prose, comedy, or creativity on the open mic. To be considered as a featured performer, please attend one of our open mics first, then email us at survivingthemic@gmail.com.

These open mics are intended to give space to people speaking poetry to power, telling the truths they need to tell. This is a space where people can be vulnerable, and their vulnerability is cared for and respected. The audience is expected to listen with compassion and all boundaries must be respected, especially physical. Consent should never be presumed, especially when it comes to touching. It’s better to ask and feel awkward, than touch and trigger.

Triggers
It is impossible to exclude triggers from these events as folks are sharing stories that they need to tell that might use language or imagery that could be upsetting. This article, from CALCASA (the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault), provided us with some insight about triggers. Read here: http://www.calcasa.org/2013/12/talk-talk-trigger-warnings/

With this in mind, volunteer first responders will be available at these open mics. Illinois state-certified Crisis Counselor and founder of Surviving the Mic, Nikki Patin, will be present and hosting every month. If you’re interested in serving as a first responder, please email us at survivingthemic@gmail.com.

Affirming and accessible
The open mics are LGBTQIAA friendly and affirming. The space is accessible to folks who have difficulty navigating stairs or use a wheelchair. For other types of accommodation, please contact survivingthemic@gmail.com.

Co-sponsored by Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (www.caase.org) and Experimental Station (www.experimentalstation.org)

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Tags: Cherlnell Lane, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Experimental Station, Hyde Park, Surviving the Mic