'The sharing process is to disrupt the system': Saul Williams on the power of poetry, on stage and on the page

Originally published on February 22, 2019

For decades, Saul Williams has been spreading his words far and wide. As a poet, he's performed with Allen Ginsberg and Gil Scott-Heron. As a musician, he's shared stages with Erykah Badu, the Roots and De La Soul. He's also an actor and an activist.

Today, he joins guest host Laurie Brown live in the q studio to tell us more about the power of art to inspire others to use their voices. 

"The writing process is for the self. The sharing process is to disrupt the system. It is to shake that stillness. It's to spark the fire that raises every necessary question that surrounds everything from Indigenous rights to the suppression of the voices of women to the voices of the disenfranchised. Art can play a role in that."

This weekend in Toronto, Williams will headline the Toronto Poetry Slam Finals on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Download our podcast or click 'Listen' above to hear the full conversation with Saul Williams.

— Produced by ​Vanessa Greco