Written By: Chantal Taylor/The Legacy Magazine MS
Words have the power to heal, challenge, inspire, and transform. For poet and spoken word artist Yesim, words are more than creative expression—they are a vehicle for truth, connection, and empowerment.
Born Markesha Wells, Yesim has established herself as a powerful voice in spoken word poetry, creating work that explores the resilience, complexity, and beauty of Black womanhood. Through deeply personal storytelling and emotionally charged performances, she invites audiences into conversations about healing, identity, love, loss, faith, and self-discovery.
Drawing inspiration from Southern storytelling traditions and the rich rhythms of spoken word culture, Yesim crafts poetry that feels both intimate and universal. Her work transforms lived experiences into compelling narratives that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.
The Power of Honest Storytelling
What sets Yesim apart is her commitment to authenticity.
Her poetry does not shy away from difficult conversations. Instead, it embraces them.
Through raw, conversational language and emotional honesty, she explores topics that many people experience but often struggle to discuss openly. Her work examines relationships, father wounds, body acceptance, sensuality, motherhood, faith, healing, and renewal.
Each performance serves as an invitation for reflection, encouraging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths, embrace personal growth, and recognize the power that exists within vulnerability.
Whether performing on stage or sharing her words in community spaces, Yesim creates moments that inspire connection and understanding.
Amplifying Black Women’s Experiences
As a single mother and advocate for authentic self-expression, Yesim uses her platform to amplify voices and stories that are often overlooked.
Her work speaks directly to the experiences of Black women, particularly plus-size Black women, offering representation, affirmation, and visibility through poetry.
By sharing her own journey with honesty and courage, she creates space for others to see themselves reflected in her words. Her poetry reminds audiences that their stories matter, their experiences are valid, and their voices deserve to be heard.
Through every poem, she challenges limiting narratives while celebrating strength, beauty, resilience, and self-acceptance.
Building Community Through Urban Poetry Eclection
Beyond her work as a performer and writer, Yesim is also committed to preserving and promoting spoken word culture.
She is the founder of Urban Poetry Eclection, a community-based organization dedicated to supporting artists, preserving spoken word history, and creating opportunities for creative expression.
Urban Poetry Eclection serves as a cultural platform that:
• Hosts themed open mic poetry events
• Highlights local artists and community initiatives
• Maintains a digital archive dedicated to spoken word preservation
• Creates accessible spaces for artistic expression and community engagement
Through this work, Yesim continues to cultivate environments where artists and audiences can connect, share stories, and celebrate the enduring impact of spoken word.
Her commitment extends beyond performance. It is rooted in building community, preserving culture, and ensuring that future generations have spaces where their voices can thrive.
A Legacy Written in Truth
For Yesim, poetry is more than an art form.
It is a calling.
Through every performance, every event, and every conversation, she demonstrates the transformative power of speaking one’s truth.
Her work challenges, heals, affirms, and inspires. It reminds audiences that vulnerability is strength, that healing is possible, and that every story has value.
As both an artist and community leader, Yesim continues to leave an impact that extends far beyond the stage—one poem, one performance, and one powerful truth at a time.
Bookings & Inquiries
For performance, hosting, workshop, or speaking engagements, contact:
SpokenJXN@gmail.com
Stay Connected
Follow Urban Poetry Eclection on Facebook and Eventbrite for upcoming events, featured artists, open mic announcements, and community programming.
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