Instagram story viewer> @imjrice> Posts
Jonathan Rice(@imjrice)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Jonathan Rice

@imjrice

2.9K
followers
2693
following
#awardwinning#Author#Teacher#spokenwordartist
Host & Curator @jriceevents
Author @brokenpencilsjr @iwasamwillbejr
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
Download All
AFFIRMATIONS (WHY WRITE) — PART 1 . . Some shadows never stop following you. . . Part 1 of Affirmations (Why Write) introduces Jonah Tarver, a young Black writer confronting the memories, doubts, and shadows that continue to follow him as he searches for an answer to one question: Why write? Blending spoken word, poetry, music, and cinematic storytelling, Affirmations (Why Write) explores creativity as memory, survival, reflection, and affirmation within the backdrop of Oakland's historical ports. . . The short film is inspired by the poetry and world of J.R. Rice’s new collection, I Was, Am, Will Be, a journey through who we were, who we are, and who we are still becoming. . . 🎬 AFFIRMATIONS (WHY WRITE) PART 1 — Writer & Shadow ✍🏾 Written by @imjrice 🎥 Directed by @zeroScopevideos Starring: J.R. Rice as Jonah Tarver @nileofStyx as Shadow Man . . Music by Lax the Monk (@laxthemonk) Interpolation of “Nuances” by M'tafiti Imaru From album, Mwafrika The Kuumba Project 01-01-2002 Sampled with permission . . 📖 Inspired by J.R. Rice’s poetry collection @iwasamwillhr, the sequel to @brokenpencilsjr Published by @afterwordpress . . This is only the beginning. More chapters of the film are coming. . . 🌐 Watch & learn more: www.jrrice.com 📺 YouTube: iamjrice . . Yesterday I was... Today I am... Tomorrow I will be... . . #Affirmations #WhyWrite #IWasAmWillBe #JRRice #ShortFilm taken in Middle Harbor Shoreline Park by @imjrice
1
6 days ago
Download
🔥 GET-HYPE OPEN MIC IS BACK! Fall Edition🔥 Join us Friday, October 16 at Discover Community Cafe for a FREE night of poetry, live jazz, storytelling, visual art, giveaways, and community hosted by J.R. Rice. This month's Get-Hype brings together a special double-feature lineup and our first art vendor. . . Get-Hype Open-Mic: Fall Edition 📍 Discover Community Cafe 3207 Louise St., Oakland 🎟️ FREE Admission (Donations Encouraged) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly . . 🎺 Featured Musician: Elandis V. Brooks @warrior_playboi featuring keyboardist John King 🎤 Featured Poet: Thesis The Statement 🎨 Special Guest Art Vendor: Jasmin Zafra @jasmin_rising_art . . 📝 FREE Writer’s Workshop: 6:00–6:45 PM 🎙️ Open-Mic Sign-Ups: Begin at 6:00 PM until full 🔥 Showtime: 7:00–9:00 PM 📚 FREE Book Giveaways throughout the night , , 🎺 FEATURED MUSICIAN:  Elandis V. Brooks (@warrior_playboi) is an Oakland-based musician, trumpet player, acrobat, and youth mentor whose career bridges professional athletic entertainment, community leadership, and music. Brooks will bring his musicianship and live jazz energy to the stage, featuring keyboardist John King. https://muso.ai/profile/3e80ffd8-917d-4191-a613-b9e36928c39f 🎤 FEATURED POET:  Thesis The Statement is a poet and writer from the Chicagoland area who has been writing poetry for more than 20 years. Thesis performed in the preliminaries of the 2018 National Poetry Slam and placed in Oakland's Gold Beams 2026 competition in partnership with the Black Joy Parade. . . 🎨 SPECIAL GUEST ART VENDOR: We're also excited to welcome special guest artist and vendor Jasmin Zafra (@jasmin_rising_art), a painter, poet, school counselor, and multicultural, multidimensional artist whose work features vivid colors and explores themes of nature, dreams, duality, identity, and healing. . . Want to perform? Arrive early! Eventbrite RSVP does not guarantee an open-mic slot. . . @jriceevents @brokenpencilsjr @iwasamwillbejr . . #GetHypeOpenMic #Oakland #OpenMic #SpokenWord #Music taken in Discover Community Cafe by @imjrice
2
5 days ago
Download
🌟 EARLY PRAISE FOR @iwasamwillbejr 🌟 . . “I Was, Am, Will Be is a heart’s journey back towards its wings; a reminder to write for hearts sake and allow the ink to fly freely.” — Donté Clark . . 🎤 @donblak is the Poet Laureate Emeritus of Richmond, CA, and author of We Cry Freedom. A prominent Bay Area spoken-word poet, actor, playwright, educator, and community activist, Donté uses poetry and storytelling to address trauma, confront inner-city violence, and empower the next generation. Raised in Richmond, his work reflects the power of words to heal, challenge, and transform communities. . . 📚 CURIOUS WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT? 🔊 I Was, Am, Will Be, published through @Afterwordpress, follows my award-winning novel @brokenpencilsjr and explores identity, love, grief, healing, and becoming through the Black experience. . . 🔥 PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! And stay tuned—there's much more on the way: 🎭 Upcoming author appearances & tour dates 🎬 Original short films & visualizers 🎶 Spoken-word soundtrack & music releases 📖 Poetry, storytelling & community events ✨ And a few more surprises along the way! . . The book is only the beginning. . . 🔗 PREORDER & LEARN MORE: www.jrrice.com www.theafterwordpress.com . . Yesterday I was… Today I am… Tomorrow I will be… . . #IWasAmWillBe #JRRice #AfterwordPress #BlackAuthors #BrokenPencils taken in I was - I am - I will be by @imjrice
12
18 days ago
Download
🎨 ARTIST VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: JASMIN ZAFRA 🎨 . . Are yall ready to Get-Hype and Get-Artistic? Art, poetry, and community, all in one evening! Join us at GET-HYPE OPEN-MIC as we welcome special guest art vendor Jasmin Zafra (@jasmin_rising_art). . A painter, poet, and school counselor, Jasmin creates vibrant artwork exploring nature, dreams, duality, identity, and healing. Her work has been featured at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, and her poem “Artistas” appeared in @zine_fronteras . Stop by her table from 6-9pm, meet the artist, and shop her original artwork. . . GET-HYPE OPEN-MIC: Fall Edition 📅 Friday, October 16, 2026 📍 Discover Community Cafe @discover_community_cafe 3207 Louise St., Oakland, CA . . Featuring Elandis V. Brooks @warrior_playboi And Thesis The Statement . . 🎤 Open Mic: 7–9 PM 📝 Sign-ups: 6 PM until full ✍🏾 Writer’s Workshop: 6–6:45 PM . . 🎙️ Hosted by J.R. Rice @imjrice 🎟️ FREE admission | RSVP on @Eventbrite . . Bring a friend Support local artists And small businesses Then tell somebody To tell somebody! . . #GetHypeOpenMic #JasminZafra #Oakland #BayArea #LocalArtists taken in Discover Community Cafe by @imjrice
0
4 hours ago
Download
"Who I Am (Remains)" by J.R. Rice Yelp Elite Event: Discover @aseatatthetablebooks PERFORMANCE RECAP Tuesday SEPT. 29th 2026 Featuring @imjrice & Maya-Gawonii .🎤 * 📚✨ . . Here are some moments from J.R. Rice’s featured performance at the Yelp Elite Event: Discover A Seat at the Table Books on September 29, 2026, presented by @yelpsacramento, and featuring alongside author @mayagawoniiwrites . . Hosted at A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove, a family-owned bookstore, café, and community “third space” centered on representation, connection, and mission-driven events. . . Deeply honoredl for the opportunity to engage a call and response with the crowd for the poem, "Who I Am" from the newly released book collection @iwasamwillbejr. . . J.R. Rice | @imjrice I Was, Am, Will Be— Available now . . #JRRice #IWasAmWillBe #WhyWrite #YelpElite ##ASEATATTHETABLEBOOKS . taken in A Seat at the Table Books by @imjrice
3
2 days ago
Download
"Affirmations (Why Write)” PERFORMANCE RECAP Yelp Elite Event: Discover A Seat at the Table Tuesday 9/28/26 Featuring @imjrice & @mayagawoniiwrites . . A few moments from J.R. Rice’s featured performance at the Yelp Elite Event: Discover A Seat at the Table Books on September 29, 2026, alongside author Maya-Gawonii. . Hosted at A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove, a family-owned bookstore, café, and community “third space” centered on representation, connection, and mission-driven events. (A Seat at the Table) . Grateful for the opportunity to share “Affirmations (Why Write)”, connect with new readers, and celebrate independent literature in a space built for community. . Thank you Rachel, Amanda, Amanda, Emily, and the whole amazing staff at @aseatatthetablebooks and @yelpsacramento ❤️📖 . J.R. Rice | @imjrice @iwasamwillbejr - Available now Visit www.jrrice.com . . #sacramento #IWasAmWillBe #YelpElite #ASeatAtTheTableBooks #elkgrove taken in A Seat at the Table Books by @imjrice
3
3 days ago
Download
Some shadows never stop following YOU… . . Step inside "Affirmations (Why Write)," a short film inspired by J.R. Rice's short work collection @iwasamwillbejr, the sequel to the award-winning novel @brokenpencilsjr, available now to order. . . These stills from Part 1 capture quiet moments of writing, reflection, and the shadows we carry. Along the Oakland waterfront of @portoakland, the story asks what it means to keep creating when doubt follows close behind. . . Swipe through the gallery. Which frame speaks to you? Comment below. . . "Affirmations (Why Write)," Written by @imjrice Directed by @zeroscopevideos J.R. Rice as Jonah Tarver @nile_of_styx as Shadow Man . . Explore the film and poetry at www.jrrice.com Order your book copy at AfterwordPress.com . . #Affirmations #iwasamwillbe #JRRice #artwork #shortfilm taken in I was - I am - I will be by @imjrice
6
3 days ago
Download
After 10 years, my literary baby is finally here. ❤️📖 . . Ten long years filled with sweat and tears, but my work is finally here, so let’s celebrate and cheer. My new collection, @iwasamwillbejr is available now, and I’m proud to share this literary baby with you. Written during a season of heartbreak, sudden job loss, and my dad’s failing health, I Was, Am, Will Be continues Jonah Tarver’s story from @brokenpencilsjr through poetry, stories, and letters exploring Black identity, love, grief, and becoming. . . Support a Black indie author—order your copy today! 📚 Amazon 📚 Afterword Press . . “I Was, Am, Will Be is a heart’s journey back towards its wings; a reminder to write for heart's sake and allow the ink to fly freely.” ~ Donté Clark  (@donblak) The Poet Laureate Emeritus of Richmond, CA,  Author of We Cry Freedom Filmmaker Educator  . . The follow-up to Broken Pencils, I Was, Am, Will Be continues Jonah Tarver’s story into adulthood. Now at 25 years old, Jonah travels through Europe carrying heartbreak, loss, and questions about who he is becoming. Through poetry, short stories, and letters, the collection explores Black identity, love, grief, and the possibility of growth after hardship. . . 🏆 2026 Literary Titan Gold Book Award for Poetry winner (@literarytitan) . . Every purchase and share helps this dream reach someone new. Thank you for being part of the journey. 🙏🏾 . . Visit www.jrrice.com to learn more . . Order your copy. Amazon: https://a.co/d/05viLKR8 AfterwordPress.com @afterwordpress . . #IWasAmWillBe #SupportBlackAuthors #IndieAuthor #JRRice taken in I was - I am - I will be by @imjrice
5
5 days ago
Download
🔥 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT, OAKLAND! 🔥 . . 📖 I WAS, AM, WILL BE — OFFICIAL RELEASE PARTY Join J.R. Rice & the Super Friends to celebrate the release of @iwasamwillbejr with poetry, music, film, and Bay Area creativity! Come experience the stories, meet the artists, and support independent voices. . . ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📅 TODAY: Friday, October 2, 2026 🕡 Show: 6:30–9 PM 📍 Discover Community Cafe 3207 Louise Street, Oakland, CA 🎟️ $10 suggested donation 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM ✍🏾 Pre-show writing workshop: 5:30–6:15 PM ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ . . 🎤 Hosted by Anthony “The Chef” Jefferson 🌟 Featuring Cael Dueñas-Lara, Stephen Sharpe, Monique “Moe Ministry” McCoy, Protected Poet, Bianca “BB” Brown, and Adam Hudson! . . ✨ TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS 🎭 J.R. Rice’s theatrical one-man show 🎬 World premiere of Affirmations (Why Write) 🎶 Live poetry and music 💬 Guided writing, audience Q&A, and giveaways 📚 Book sales, signing, art, and merchandise from local artists and vendors . . Bring a friend, arrive early, and come ready to celebrate! Pick up your copy of I Was, Am, Will Be and take a piece of the evening home. 🌐 jrrice.com | afterwordpress.com . . 📣 CAN’T MAKE IT? ONE LAST REQUEST: Help this invitation reach someone who can! Like and share this post, repost the reel to your story, tag a friend, or send the event details to your people. Your support helps independent artists reach their community. . . TELL SOMEBODY TO TELL SOMEBODY! 🔥📖🎤 . . #iwasamwillbe #jrrice #brokenpencils #bookrelease #discovercommunitycafe taken in Discover Community Cafe by @imjrice
4
7 days ago
Download
🌟 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ADAM HUDSON 🌟 . . 🥁 Meet Adam Hudson (@adam.hudson5) a Bay Area drummer, percussionist, writer, educator, and Pan-Africanist whose music blends rock, blues, and African rhythmic traditions. Formerly the drummer and percussionist for alternative rock band, Sunata, Adam also performs solo on djembe, drawing from West African drumming and Black musical roots. Catch him at the official release party for @iwasamwillbejr! . . 💛 Bianca “BB” Brown (@bbindisthang) has had to step away from this event. We’re sending her love and wishing her health, safety, and plenty of restie rest. . . 📖 I WAS, AM, WILL BE — RELEASE PARTY 📅 Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6:30–9 PM 📍 Discover Community Cafe — @discovercommunity.cafe 3207 Louise St., Oakland, CA 🎟️ $10 suggested donation . . ✨ WHAT’S HAPPENINNNNNN: 🎭 J.R. Rice’s theatrical one-man show 🎬 World premiere of "Affirmations (Why Write)" ✍🏾 Interactive writing + audience Q&A 🎁 Giveaways, book sales, and signings 🛍️ Local vendors selling art, jewelry, books, and merch! . . 🎤 FEATURING AN EPIC LINE-UP: Protected Poet — @protected_poet Stephen Sharpe — @stphensharpe Cael Dueñas-Lara — @caelpoeta Moe Ministry — @iammoniquemccoY Hosted by Anthony “The Chef” Jefferson! . . 📚 J.R. Rice’s new collection 10.02.26 from @afterwordpress! www.jrrice.com www.afterwordpress.com . . 🎟️ RSVP on Eventbrite . . #AdamHudson #IWasAmWillBe #JRRice #BayAreaArtists #BookLaunch taken in Discover Community Cafe by @imjrice
2
8 days ago
Download
Join us tomorrow at Discovery Community Café in Oakland tomorrow celebrate the release of J.R. Rice's second book: I Was, Am, Will Be. The Show will start at 6:30. Don't miss out on the - An All-star lineup of poets, singers, poetry, Storytellers - Short Film Premiere - Reading and Performance from the Author - Q&A and Discussion with Author - Book Sale and Signing - Giveaway and Prizes taken in Discover Community Cafe by @imjrice
10
8 days ago
Download
🖼️ ART 4 YOUR WALL. WORDS 4 YOUR SOUL 🎨 . . Bring the poetry & artwork from J.R. Rice’s new book, @iwasamwillbejr into your home, office, or bedroom with limited-edition, signed art prints! . . Each bundle includes a selected cover and chapter art print from the award-winning book, within your choice of a black, brown, silver, or gold frame, hand-signed by @imjrice, plus a free bookmark and sticker. . . 📝 Print Prices: | Small 5×7: $10 | Medium 8×11: $20 | Large 11×14: $30 . . Available in person, directly from the artist, while supplies last! Catch J.R. Rice at upcoming events or DM for details on getting yours. 🛍️ Online sales aren’t available yet, coming soon! . . To learn more visit AfterwordPress.com and www.jrrice.com . . #IWasAmWillBe #JRRice #PoetryArt #SupportIndieArtists taken in I was - I am - I will be by @imjrice
0
9 days ago
Download
×

Download all media on this page

Photos Videos
back to up