In the premiere Chapter of Volume Six, we welcomed Chicago-born and based Educator, Poet, Writer, Spoken Word Artist, and Dancer, Sunshine Lombré .

From her early start in ballet at the age of three to her decision to pursue dance and poetry professionally, Sunshine walks us through her artistic evolution—how physics gave way to poetry, how Craigslist led to one of her first choreography gigs, and how an unexpected injury became a spiritual and creative turning point.

We talk about the interplay between poetry and movement—how dance, especially fem-centered forms like burlesque and belly dancing, can carry memory and emotion in ways language sometimes can't. Sunshine opens up about how embracing her sensuality and femininity transformed not only her art but her relationship to herself.

She also shares her passion for healing through art, both personally and in community. From her work with Poetry for Personal Power to teaching in libraries and arts councils, Sunshine is deeply invested in using creativity to empower others—especially those who might not see themselves as “artistic.”

Toward the end of our conversation, we discuss her advocacy and activism, including the emotional weight and responsibility of poems like "For Gaza" and "Living in Portable Caskets". We explore what it means to create art that holds both sensuality and sorrow, joy and justice—and how those things can coexist.

Contact Sunshine:
Instagram:@ladylombre
Youtube: @sunshinelombre

Recorded Spoken Word Performances Featured Include:

Kyla Janee Lacey– Pulled Out A Knife On Him
Instagram: @kylajlacey

Zach Goldberg – Blackout
Instagram: @gach_zoldberg Website: zach-goldberg.com Book: I'd Rather Be Destroyed

Javon Johnson – The Shotgun
Instagram: @javonism Book: Aint Never Not Been Black

Sunshine Lombré – For Gaza
Sunshine Lombré – Daydream