Poetry-N-Motion, LLC
Poetry-N-Motion, LLC
About Poetry-N-Motion, LLC
About Poetry-N-Motion, LLC
Poetry-N-Motion, LLC is a multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated to transforming communities through the power of poetry, education, and cultural programming. Founded by award-winning spoken word artist and educator LeJuane "El'Ja" Bowens, the organization creates innovative experiences that connect artists, audiences, and communities while fostering creativity, dialogue, and personal growth.
Headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Poetry-N-Motion, LLC produces nationally recognized events and initiatives, including the Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Slam, one of the premier poetry competitions in the Southeast, and Dilla Day Fayetteville, NC, an annual celebration honoring the life, music, and cultural legacy of legendary producer J Dilla through poetry, music, education, and community engagement. The organization also coaches the nationally competitive Detour Slam Team, providing mentorship and performance opportunities for poets at every stage of their artistic journey.
Beyond live performances, Poetry-N-Motion partners with schools, libraries, nonprofits, military organizations, municipalities, and arts institutions to deliver workshops, artist residencies, keynote presentations, and community-centered programming. Through these collaborations, the organization uses spoken word as a vehicle for literacy, leadership development, civic engagement, and cultural preservation.
Driven by the belief that art has the power to educate, heal, and unite, Poetry-N-Motion, LLC continues to build spaces where diverse voices are celebrated and meaningful conversations can flourish. Whether presenting on a national stage or within local communities, the organization remains committed to inspiring audiences, cultivating the next generation of artists, and demonstrating that poetry is more than performance—it is a catalyst for connection, transformation, and lasting impact.
About The Founder/CEO:
About The Founder/CEO:
LeJuane "El'Ja" Bowens is an award-winning spoken word artist, poet, author, educator, TEDx speaker, and U.S. Army veteran whose work explores service, identity, culture, and the power of storytelling. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Lima, Ohio, Bowens served six years in the United States Army, including two deployments to Iraq. Those experiences continue to inform his poetry, which is recognized for its emotional honesty, social consciousness, and ability to inspire meaningful dialogue.
A nationally acclaimed performer, Bowens has appeared on All Def Poetry three times and has been featured by PBS, NPR, and Amazon. His work has been presented in partnership with organizations including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Poetry Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Wounded Warrior Project. He is the author of Anywhere But Here, 3:10: A Collection of Poems, Before, and El'J Dilla: Poems Inspired by the Music of J Dilla, a collection officially sanctioned by Ma Dukes that celebrates the enduring legacy of legendary producer J Dilla.
Bowens is the founder of Poetry-N-Motion, LLC, founder and organizer of the Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Slam, creator of Dilla Day Fayetteville, NC, and coach of the nationally recognized Detour Slam Team, mentoring emerging poets while creating platforms that elevate the literary arts. His work extends beyond performance, producing events and initiatives that foster education, cultural appreciation, and community engagement.
In 2026, Bowens was named the Inaugural Poet Laureate of 7 Directions of Service, furthering his commitment to using poetry as a bridge between communities. Whether speaking from the TEDx stage, leading workshops, organizing festivals, or performing before audiences nationwide, LeJuane "El'Ja" Bowens continues to demonstrate that poetry is more than an art form—it is a vehicle for connection, healing, and lasting impact.