Empowering Women of Color Open Mic

This beloved open mic is a long-standing collaboration between La Peña Cultural Center and UC Berkeley’s Women of Color Initiative, serving as the launch event of the Empowering Women of Color Conference (EWOCC) – one of the nation’s longest-running conferences addressing the needs and experiences of womxn of color. Since its founding in 1985, EWOCC has brought together activists, artists, scholars, and community leaders to advance intersectional feminist movements rooted in justice and solidarity.

Rooted in Black feminism and collective joy, this open mic offers a sacred space for all who connect with and experience life through the lens of womanhood – through body, spirit, identity, or lived experience, past, present, future, and fluid – to share and be witnessed.

All are welcome to attend, but this event intentionally centers the experiences, stories, and expressions of women* of color. Come be part of an inspiring community grounded in love, art, and liberation.

*We use “women” as an inclusive term that embraces all who experience or connect with womanhood – through identity, spirit, or lived experience – past, present, future, and fluid – while honoring the diverse ways gender may be expressed, including by trans and non-binary folks.

Interested in volunteering?

Each shift includes complimentary food and light refreshments. You also get access to our backstage where all the cool artists hang out!

Sign up form: Lapena.info/volunteer