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Kyla Jenee Lacey        

Writer, Poet, Performer, Spoken Word, & Visual Artist Behind “White Privilege"

Kyla Jenee Lacey is a poet, writer, blacktivist, and funny girl. She has bylines from The Root, BET.com, the Huffington Post, and currently writes for Karen Hunter’s “The Hub News.” Her poetry has garnered tens of millions of views and is used in college curriculum internationally. She has been featured by/on Grayson Perry’s "Big America Road Trip," "Last Week Tonight" with John Oliver, the "Tamron Hall Show," and even Laura Ingraham from Fox News was so kind enough to refer to her work as “anti-racist propaganda.” Her work has been shared by Buzzfeed, In the Now, Occupy Democrats, Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, Afropunk, and mentioned in national publications the NYT, WAPO, Boston Globe, the Atlantic, and several other national publications.

Her work is a refreshing blend of analysis of the absurd, social commentary, the human condition, and acerbic wit. Lacey has performed a one woman show of poetry, storytelling, and comedy at over 300 colleges and universities in over 40 states. Her work became part of the national CRT debate, after a teacher was fired for sharing it with his class. She is a cat lady but loves dogs too.

Kyla Jenee Lacey is available in partnership with Collective Speakers.

Speech Topics


What, A Privilege?!?!

Privilege is a thing that everyone wants, yet no one wants to claim they have. Wanting privileges is understandable; it is a human thing to want the best one can get, but the denial of that privilege and the advantages afforded because of it does not mean they do not exist. What, A Privilege?!?!, workshop examines the conflation between the earned and the entitled, who we think deserves privileges, and the intersection of race, sexism, and classism.

Tea and Couplets...

Kyla’s career began doing spoken word and it is still very near and dear to her heart. “Tea and Couplets,” is a hybrid performance of Kyla in her poetry element while infusing conversation about her creative process as a writer and an artist; based on the audience she will be able to provide feedback for blossoming writers.

Unmasking White Privilege with Empathetic Accountability

In this keynote inspired by her internationally acclaimed viral poetry, Kyla examines the concept of white privilege and its pervasive impact on our society. Utilizing her electrifying performance skills and razor sharp wit, this talk aims to foster a deeper understanding of how privilege operates and how it perpetuates systemic inequalities.

Why Don't Black People Swim: Moving Away from Othering While Embracing Intersectionality

Kyla explores the concept of intersectionality and its significance in understanding and addressing the complex dynamics of oppression. Through an intersectional lens, we navigate the intricate web of social identities and systemic inequalities that shape our lived experiences. By dismantling silos and fostering inclusive dialogue, we can work towards a more equitable society that uplifts the most marginalized among us.

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