WALDORF, Md. — Local students will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and speak out against tobacco use at a special event on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, Inc., together with the Nu Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and the Charles County Department of Health, will present a World No Tobacco Day Art and Poetry Showcase at 6 p.m. at Westlake High School, located at 3300 Middletown Road in Waldorf.
This free public event aims to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine—especially products targeting young people—through student-created poetry and artwork. The showcase is open to students in grades 6 through 12, and original submissions will be featured during the evening.
Baltimore-based writer and educator Ephraim Nehemiah will serve as the evening’s host. Widely recognized for his work amplifying Black queer voices, Nehemiah brings an award-winning background in performance poetry, including titles like the 2021 IPS Slam Champion and 2022 Southern Fried Poetry Champion.
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The program will also include a dynamic performance by Black Chakra, a spoken word and hip-hop artist known for his intense delivery and thought-provoking work. His performance is expected to deliver a powerful message that uplifts youth and supports tobacco-free lifestyles.
Students are encouraged to contribute visual or literary work to be included in the live event. Submissions will be accepted at the venue on the day of the showcase.
For event details and registration, visit ipsmcc.org. Updates can also be found on the official Facebook event page.
For media inquiries, contact: [email protected].
Travis Head is the author and founder of CharlesCountyFoodConnection.org, a trusted source for Social Security updates, stimulus check news, UK DWP and Universal Credit insights, and rare coin guides. With a passion for helping readers stay informed on financial matters and government benefits, Travis delivers timely, accurate information to empower individuals and families in the U.S. and UK.