Brion Gill, better known as Lady Brion, is an award-winning poet, educator, and activist deeply connected to Baltimore. As the executive director of the Black Arts District and Cultural Curator of Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (L.B.S.), Lady Brion has become a leading advocate for the development of Baltimore's Pennsylvania Avenue, also known as the Black Arts District (B.A.D.).
Lady Brion's passion for spoken word started at the age of twelve, and she honed her skills as she grew. Since, she has performed on various stages worldwide, including in London, Ghana, and Tanzania. Her talent has taken her to the prestigious 2015 Individual World Poetry Slam held in Washington, D.C., where she qualified after being named the Baltimore Grand Slam Champion - the first woman to win in ten years. In addition to her performances, Lady Brion has been featured in publications such as The Baltimore Sun, City Paper, and Urbanite Magazine.
One of her most notable accomplishments is her work with the Black Arts District. The Black Arts District, also known as B.A.D., is a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and performers dedicated to celebrating and promoting Black art and culture. The district includes a variety of businesses and organizations, including theaters, art galleries, and performance spaces, all of which support and promote Black artists and creatives. As executive director, she has been instrumental in promoting and preserving Baltimore's rich Black cultural heritage.
Brion's vision for the Black Arts District is to create a space that supports the arts and promotes economic development and community empowerment. She believes that by investing in and upgrading local businesses and restaurants, the Black Arts District can become a thriving hub of Black entertainment and business, just as it was in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s.
Lady Brion is an incredibly talented poet, educator, and activist who significantly impacts Baltimore's arts and culture scene. Her work with the Black Arts District is helping to promote and preserve Baltimore's rich Black cultural heritage, and her poetry and activism inspire people throughout the city and beyond. As we celebrate National Poetry Month, Lady Brion's contributions to the world of poetry and the Black community inspire us all.