Local Spoken-Word Poets Help Launch Goucher's New Baltimore Speakers Series

Release date: October 17, 2007 |

Goucher College is launching its new Baltimore Speakers Series with a performance by the socially charged poetry duo The 5th L on Wednesday, October 17, at 8.p.m. in Haebler Memorial Chapel.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Baltimore-based, spoken-word poetry group’s members are David Ross, known as native son, and Femi Lawal, who performs as The Dri Fish. The duo blends spoken word poetry, hip-hop, and theater to entertain and inform audiences — including local middle and high school students — about the violence and drug epidemic in Baltimore.

Ross is a Baltimore resident, a poet, and the author of the book Speech Impediments. He has been writing lyrics since 1997. Lawal is also a resident of Baltimore City but was born in London, England, and raised partially in Nigeria. He has been performing spoken word since 1995.

As a duo, they have shared stages with international recording artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Saul Williams, Ursula Rucker, Fertile Ground, Jaguar Wright, and KRS-One.

The 5th L’s Goucher appearance is co-sponsored by El Fusil, the SGA, the Office of the President, the Sarah T. Hughes Foundation, HOLA, Goucher Hillel, UMOJA, and the Office of Community Living and Multicultural Affairs.

Goucher’s Baltimore Speakers Series is a new initiative of the students and administration that aims to bring local artists, politicians, activists, and others to campus to help inform the college community about the problems and progress of Baltimore and to get students more involved in participating in community service and cultural activities in the city.