African American Literature.

Brought to Life.

For nearly three decades, Geylah has transformed classic, African American poetry into unforgettable theatrical experiences. Welcome to Power of the Tongue. 

Experience the show

The signature experience

More than poetry.
More than history.
An experience.

Power of the Tongue is Ge’ylah’s signature 75-minute, one-woman theatrical experience. This riveting production is anchored in classic, textbook African American poetry and transformed into a dynamic stage performance. The performance brings generations of literature to life through immersive dramatization and oral storytelling, picturesque narration, custom Afrocentric costumes, period music, and powerful video footage. The production is specifically designed to provide high-impact education and entertainment for year-round campus programming, It is the embodiment of purposeful programming, as it offers a meaningful, engaging, and culturally rich presentation that elevates the audience experience.

Discover the Show

THE ROAD TO 30 YEARS

A performance journey built across America

POWER OF THE TONGUE

A LEGACY IN MOTION

A PERFORMANCE JOURNEY BUILT ACROSS AMERICA.

Nearly three decades ago, Ge’ylah began transforming literary experiences across the country. In the process, she redefined artistic excellence in African American literary performance."

100+

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES

35

STATES ENGAGED NATIONWIDE

30

NEARLY 30 YEARS OF LEGACY

1000's

OF ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

FROM CAMPUS TO CAMPUS TO CAMPUS

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Texas

COLORADO STATE

Colorado

BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

Illinois

SPOKANE FALLS CC

Washington

GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE

Georgia

Simmons College

Massachusetts.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

A STORY TOLD IN HEADLINES.

Power of the Tongue in the Chicago Defender

The Chicago Defender highlights Ge’ylah’s one-woman show and her mission to preserve history through performance.

Power of the Tongue on Campus

Ge’ylah brings her one-woman show to college audiences through poetry, history, music and powerful storytelling.

Words That Move an Audience

A feature on Ge’ylah’s performance work and the unique way she brings Power of the Tongue to life through words and song.

PERFORMANCE POET OPENS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In 2006, Ge’ylah brought Power of the Tongue to Minnesota State University, opening its Black History Month festivities with African American literature, history and performance.

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. King

Power of the Tongue brings classic Black literature, history and spoken word to the stage in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Preserving Black History Through Performance

Through poetry, song, prayer and storytelling, Ge’ylah turns history into an experience audiences can see, hear and feel.

EXPLORE THE ARCHIVE

FROM AN EDUCATOR

A Presence that
Commanded the Campus

2013 Academy For Visual and Performing Arts/ Africana Studies
Artist-In-Residence - Texas A & M

"We were engaged. We were mesmerized. We were touched."

DR. VIOLET JOHNSON • CHAIRPERSON, AFRICANA STUDIES •TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY

THE SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

MORE THAN POETRY. MORE THAN HISTORY. AN EXPERIENCE.

In addition to an accompanying class curriculum, Geylah’s performance is built on six unique layers that enrich the student learning experience, each offering a distinct educational component valued by educators and academics alike.

DISCOVER THE SHOW

A MESSAGE FROM GE'YLAH

Why this experience matters now.

Today's students are navigating pressures, uncertainties and challenges that can make it difficult to keep moving forward. Power of the Tongue was created to do more than entertain—to remind audiences of the strength, perseverance and possibility carried within the words and lives of those who came before us.

Listen to Ge'ylah's Message
0:00 0:00

01 / POETRY

The words, and wisdom of classic African American poets—from Phillis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson and Paul Laurence Dunbar to Maya Angelou, Margaret Walker Alexander, and Nikki Giovanni—performed with the depth, emotion and dramatic interpretation that make the literature unforgettable.

02 / HISTORY

The vivid, narratives that provide the cultural scope and circumstances that shaped the poetry audiences are hearing.

03 / THEATER

Optimized for a traditional theater setting, the staging engages and holds audiences utterly spellbound from the opening to the final curtain

04 / MULTIMEDIA

The historic period footage, and carefully selected music undergird the performance, creating an immersive experience that transports audiences into another time.

05 / STORYTELLING

With a natural gift for commanding an audience, Ge’ylah effortlessly delivers riveting narratives and powerful dramatizations, keeping audiences captivated from beginning to end.

06 / EDUCATION

The rich literary and historical content complements classroom curricula, deepens students’ understanding of African American literature and creates a natural catalyst for post-performance class visits, discussion and masterclasses.

THE ROAD TO 30

Some Performances Fill A Purpose. Others Stay with you.

“Ge’ylah is extraordinarily talented. Her ability to recite all that poetry so passionately is simply extraordinary.”
Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000)
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poet & Former Poet Laureate of Illinois
“This show belongs on Broadway.”
Dr. Donda West (1948–2007)
Former Chairperson of English, Speech, and Modern Languages, Chicago State University Mother of Kanye West & Mentor to Performance Poet, Ge’ylah
“Riveting”
Debra Watkins:
Educator, activist, and founder of the California Alliance of African American Educators
“You are in for a dynamic performance: storytelling, music, poetry. You are in for a wonderful, spirit filled night with ancestors and culture.”
Leanee.
Educator.

Nearly three decades. 35 states. 100+ campuses.  African American Literature Brought To Life.

For nearly three decades, Ge'ylah has brought African American literature to life for audiences across the country—transforming the words of legendary poets and writers into powerful theatrical experiences through poetry, history, storytelling, and dramatic performance. Along the way, she has left a trail of standing ovations—from convocations and lyceum stages to lecture series, Dr. King celebrations, Black History Month events, Women’s History Month, and much, much more.

EXPLORE GE'YLAH'S STORY

CREATE THE EXPERIENCE

One Visit. Three ways to touch your campus.

01

CAPTIVATE

Theatrical Performance

Select one of the (8) performance offerings that align with your intended programming and campus needs.

02

EDUCATE

Class Visit or Interactive Workshop

Choose an academic bridge that will support an instructors curriculum or that will validate and encourage an active campus organization.

03

INSPIRE

Masterclass

Enrich the overall experience with a transformative, scholarly masterclass on the historical elements of Black arts, or the hidden business realities and profound legacy of professional performing arts. ( Book Included)

EXPLORE PROGRAMS


THE ROAD TO 30

The Road to 30 Years

1997 – 2027

3 Decades. 35 states. 100+ campuses. Countless audiences. In 2027, Power of the Tongue celebrates the 30th anniversary of its national touring debut—a journey that began in 1997 with a mission to bring African American literature off the page and onto the stage. The commemorative season celebrates the journey, honors the literary voices that made it possible, and carries their words forward for a new generation.

EXPLORE PROGRAMS View tour & upcoming dates

BRING THE EXPERIENCE

BRING THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

to your campus.

Give your audience more than a presentation. Give them an experience that brings literature, history and the power of the spoken word to life.

Check availability
 View program options

Black History Month

MLK Celebrations
Women’s History Month
Literature & Humanities
National Poetry Month
Cultural Programming

Black History Month

MLK Celebrations
Women’s History Month
National Poetry Month
Literature & Humanities
Conferences
Cultural Programming

POWER OF THE TONGUE

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