Celebrate Black History Month with a vibrant showcase of contemporary Black creativity through spoken word, music, and dance. Unbound Voices features live performances by poets Desirae Hosley, Isabella Gordo and Zinnia Stewart, as well as Wordplay, the dynamic (CA)^2 Dance Crew and the soulful sounds of the Cincinnati Jazz Academy. 

This talent showcase guides audiences through an engaging flow of poetry, music, and movement, with collaborative pieces and ensemble performances highlighting resilience, cultural memory, and collective joy. Anchored in the Freedom Center’s mission, this event positions artistic expression as a vehicle for truth-telling and community connection, bridging the historical narratives of the Underground Railroad with present-day voices shaping the future of freedom. 

This interactive and inspiring showcase is free with museum admission and offers a unique opportunity to experience how creativity and storytelling continue to illuminate the ongoing journey toward liberation. 

Performers include:

• (CA)^2 Dance Crew
• Cincinnati Jazz Academy with Mason Daugherty
• Isabella Gordo
• Zinnia Stewart
• Wordplay with Desirae Hosley

(CA)^2 (pronounced see-ay-squared) is a Black-women-founded street dance troupe driven to uplift latent passion within all through dance. (CA)^2 is an acronym for confidently creating active achievers. As teammates, Camille Jones, Chenelle Jones and Anaya Ni’Kole of (CA)^2 perform street dance, a fusion of authentic Hip Hop & contemporary original choreography and freestyle.

(CA)^2 has presented choreography at Hip Hop International, won first place at Monsters of Hip Hop, and has presented original work for major events, venues, and music videos with local artists across Greater Cincinnati. Follow (CA)^2 Dance Crew on Instagram and Facebook.

The Cincinnati Jazz Academy Junior High Combo is a select small ensemble made up of middle school musicians from the Academy’s award-winning jazz education program. The combo provides students with focused experience in jazz fundamentals, ensemble playing, and improvisation. 

Members of the combo rehearse regularly under the guidance of professional jazz educators, developing skills in swing, blues, and contemporary jazz styles. Through performance opportunities across the Cincinnati area, students build confidence, musical discipline, and a strong foundation in jazz tradition. The Junior High Combo reflects the Cincinnati Jazz Academy’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible jazz education while nurturing the next generation of creative musicians.

Mason Daugherty is a jazz bassist, educator, and composer/arranger who, after obtaining his Masters in Jazz Studies from UC, now calls Cincinnati home.  He works professionally in the area in various jazz combos, country bands, and wedding bands while teaching through the Cincinnati Jazz Academy and at Musique Madeira. He busies himself composing and arranging for El Ritmo Del Mañana, an occasional chart for CCJO, for his own trio, for his own nonet, and alongside his band members for DMJ. You can hear his work on “The View from Riddle”, available on Spotify. 

Isabella Gordo (Bella for short) is a Creative Writing student at the University of Cincinnati, where she helps run the Cincinnati Poetry Collective, operated out of the Elliston Poetry Room. She writes poetry, short stories, and screenplays to explore the joy and horror of Black womanhood. Bella also enjoys partaking in the literary publishing world through involvement with Short Vine Literary Journal and co-editing the zine Cincinnati Girlfriend.  Follow Bella on Instagram.

Born and raised in the Queen City, Desirae ‘The Silent Poet’ Hosley is known for being the quietest person in the room...until she takes the stage. Although Spoken Word is where she cut her teeth, you can find her acting, speaking, and community organizing. She values linking people, facilitating conversation, and bringing healing to those around her.

WordPlay Cincy creates spaces for young people to fulfill their potential by discovering, honoring and sharing their voices. Our free programs for ages 5 - young adult blend the four elements of personal growth, community-building, creative expression and future orientation through project-based learning 

Zinnia Stewart (stage name: Zeda Stew) is a Cincinnati-based poet, educator, and cultural worker whose voice blends lived experience, history, and liberation. A nationally recognized spoken word artist, her work explores freedom, survival, Black womanhood, and the quiet power of telling the truth out loud. Zinnia uses poetry as both art and resistance, believing storytelling is a living archive and a pathway to collective healing.