Born in Columbus Ohio, Briana Arlene Robinson is an author, spoken word artist, poet, mentor and host. Her work is a pillar of authenticity: a bite into the black woman’s experience as she journeys audiences through a myriad of emotions that connects with women and young girls, giving them a voice, while leaving the eyes of men opened.
Briana has always been a writer, poet and avid reader. With a strong passion for reading and thirst for knowledge, she studied English with a concentration in Literature and African American Studies at Wright State University.
The Chemical X to Briana’s philosophy is editing and being intentional: a process that is integral for any work of art which is often left out or forgotten about. Writing is her form of love that she uses to uplift black women: she understands that many black women have to alter their sound and speech, so she offers her voice to tear down that status quo.
You can find Briana’s work at a myriad of slams and sets around Ohio and she activly travels across the county to feature and host at many shows. She won the Little Infinite Haiku Challenge (September 2019). Since the pandemic she has been performing virtually, strengthening her online presence. She has also hosted Metaphors of Praise Open Mic. Currently B. Arlene hosts Vibes Open Mic in Columbus Ohio where she features artists from all over country every third Wednesday.
Sample Work
Briana’s mission is to cultivate a new exprience to be free and redefine identities, while offering a home space for new poets. She’s actively working towards putting together a black arts slam that pushes black nerdom to the forefront where black writers can wear their love for anime, cosplay, comics, and video games on their sleeves without having to worry about the accessibility of their content. Her goal is for it to grow into a festival that’ll expand a few days. She has also published three chap books and a collection of affirmations. (Clapbacks & Conversations, Testimonies of a Broken Heart, and Love Thoughts of a Woman)
Gallery
Contacts
Briana is available for booking as both a performer and a host!