Opposing Injustice Through Lyrical Arts

Last week’s Salvadoran Soul Encuentro at Excelsior Sunday Streets came alive with the powerful presence of Fego Navarro, who captivated the crowd through a dynamic fusion of rhythm, poetry, and soul. Blending heartfelt lyrics with cultural storytelling, Fego’s performance celebrated Salvadoran heritage and creative resilience. Audience members cheered and danced as his words resonated with themes of identity, migration, and hope — a fitting close to an afternoon honoring Salvadoran voices and artistry.

On October 11, 2025, Re-Entrification was proudly highlighted and screened at the 4th Annual Flores Film Festival in Sacramento, held at Sheldon High School’s Paula D. Duncan Performing Arts Center. The documentary delivered a powerful and deeply moving exploration of housing displacement in the Bay Area, sharing the stories of families who found refuge in tiny home communities as they reclaimed their right to housing. Through the artistry of spoken word, Re-Entrification illuminated both the challenges and resilience of those most affected by the housing crisis. The evening concluded with a heartfelt Q&A hosted by @intellectuallyhyphy, offering audiences an opportunity to reflect on the film’s urgent message and impact.

What an honor to host an unforgettable evening of poetry, spoken word, and storytelling with San Mateo County Poet Laureate Antonio López, b.anthony.shepperd, and Trey Xavier Watkins.

Grateful to share space with these powerful, system-impacted Bay Area voices and celebrate the art of storytelling through spoken word and dialogue.

There was cause for celebration this past Saturday at Mission Blue, as Lyrical Opposition, based in town at 132 Visitacion, marked 10 years as a local non-profit organization. They put on quite a show with "Lyrical Legacy", which was free to the public and included poetry, spoken word, hip-hop, and trailers for their independent short films. Like any non-profit, their work relies on the generous donations of those who support their work. If that's you, you can donate here.

Big thanks to Nixta, Chef Gabriel, and the legendary Jorge Argueta for sharing stories, food, and culture at Radio Habana Social Club in the heart of the Mission.

Representing Lyrical Opposition, Salvadoran artists Luna Jenn and Fego Navarro brought powerful performances that celebrated their roots and uplifted the community through poetry and music.

From the story of The Fiesta of the Pupusas to lyrical verses that moved the crowd, it was a Sunday full of sabor, storytelling, and solidarity.

On June 1, Lyrical Opposition had the honor of closing out a powerful afternoon of poetry at the San Mateo County Fair Poetry Event! This inspiring event brought together past and present County Poet Laureates, youth poets, city representatives, and community voices in a vibrant showcase of spoken word, rhythm, and reflection.

Lyrical Opposition was proud to collaborate with our neighbors in Visitacion Valley and Mission Blue Coffee to present a night of community expression at the Visitacion Valley Open Mic & Community Showcase. Led by Kayla Nachtsheim from Visitacion Valley and held at 99 Leland, the event overflowed with intergenerational creativity, energy, and neighborly love.

Lyrical Opposition had the honor of joining the 2nd Annual Community Day Fest at Downtown High School on Thursday, April 17. From live screen printing to BBQ and outdoor games, the event created a vibrant space for students, families, staff, and community partners to connect, celebrate, and strengthen school spirit. It was a joyful afternoon of belonging, resources, and community-powered fun in the heart of San Francisco.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for 7 Last Poems: The 7 Days of Holy Week at the historic Ruth Williams Opera House! In collaboration with Kairos of San Francisco, New College Berkeley, and Lyrical Opposition, this special Lenten event offered a powerful blend of poetry, music, and spiritual reflection. We’re grateful to the incredible artists—The 7 Last Poets, Bay Worship Collective, and Hope Briggs—for sharing their gifts so bravely and beautifully. Your presence and support made this a memorable gathering. Stay connected, support the artists, and look out for the next 7 Last Poems experience!

On Saturday, April 12th, an afternoon at San Francisco Christian Center, community members gathered for Fight Like Jesus: Waging Peace in the Face of Empire, an New College Berkeley Workshop Retreat co-sponsored by Lyrical Opposition and Kairos San Francisco.

On Friday, April 11th, Hyphy Theology was an immersive night of faith, culture, and creativity at 99 Leland Ave in Visitacion Valley. This event was in collaboration with Kairos Fellowship and New College Berkeley. The underlying theme of this event transformed the sacred season of Lent into an artistic experience rooted in the rhythms of the Bay Area. Through dynamic performances by Marjé, SFG, and Fego Navarro, alongside powerful poetry from Aleja Ajela and hosted by the ever-engaging Ashley Budelli, attendees were invited into a bold, spiritual exploration of wilderness, resistance, and reflection.

Big thanks to everyone who pulled up to the Saturday Farmers Market at Hans Schiller Plaza! 🧡 Lyrical Opposition had a blast spinning soulful tracks and timeless tunes while the community shopped local with Rollin’ Root and sipped on Mission Blue Coffee. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring music, movement, and connection to the heart of Visitacion Valley. Until next time — stay rooted, stay lyrical. 🎶🛒🌱

Shoutout to everyone who came through on March 1st for the Saturday Farmers Market at Hans Schiller Plaza! From 10AM to noon, Lyrical Opposition kept the vibes high with smooth DJ sets and classic cuts while the community shopped fresh produce with Rollin’ Root and enjoyed sips from Mission Blue Coffee. It was a beautiful morning of music, movement, and meaningful connection in Visitacion Valley. Grateful to be part of this rhythm of community. 🎧🌿☕️

On November 22nd, Lyrical Opposition partnered with The Web Artists and Visitacion Valley Connections to host “Live at the Baylands” – a multi-sensory experience with art, photography, music, poetry, and more.

​On December 1, 2024, Lyrical Assembly had its Inaugural Lyrical Advent service at Lyrical Vinyl in Brisbane, CA. Lyrical Assembly: Advent is a vibrant celebration of the coming of Jesus, infused with artistic expressions to refresh the soul. The service is designed for all, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

On Friday, November 22, 2024, Lyrical Opposition, in collaboration with The Web Artists and Visitacion Valley Connections, co-hosted a multi-sensory arts experience at The Baylands Community Space. The evening brought together photography, visual art, live music, storytelling, and poetry in a celebration of creativity and culture.

On November 9, Lyrical Opposition proudly hosted The Cold Feet Tour at our record store, Lyrical Vinyl. The evening featured performances by touring artists Micah Bournes and Meredith Adelaide, alongside Lyrical Opposition artists, Elisa Solei and Fego Navarro. Local poets from across the city also brought the mic to life with spoken word that moved the crowd. Thank you to everyone who came out to support live music, poetry, and community in an intimate, art-filled setting.

We had the honor of screening our Re-Entrification: A Place We Call Home documentary at San Francisco State University with Project Rebound. “Re-Entrification: A Place We Call Home” is an insightful exploration into the complexities of urban redevelopment, community displacement, and the fight for home in modern cities. This film delves deep into the lives of individuals and families affected by gentrification, offering a nuanced look at the social, economic, and emotional impacts of urban transformation.

On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Lyrical Opposition hosted an afternoon of storytelling and community at Mission Blue Creative Space at 99 Leland in Visitacion Valley with the screening of brand new Re-Entrification: Short Film Documentary Series. Attendees gathered for an exclusive look at three compelling new episodes—La Cultura: Mission District, Sunnydale, and SoMa Strong—each capturing the resilience, culture, and voices of San Francisco neighborhoods facing the impacts of Re-Entrification.

This interview with Fego Navarro, a spoken word artist and documentary filmmaker, was conducted by Milina Jovanovic as part of the Mosaic Atlas project. Topics discussed include cultural connections with El Salvadir and the San Francisco Bay Area, education of new generations, artistic influences, and community activism. As part of the Mosaic Atlas project, Mosaic Staff and Volunteers, SJSU students and faculty from the Anthropology and Film, Theater, and Dance Departments interviewed people who support and produce art throughout the Bay Area.

Lyrical Vinyl participated in the Citywide Yard Sale benefiting the Friends of the Brisbane Library and the many programs it sponsors. It’s a fun day for the entire community to find great bargains and greet neighbors.

The Baylands opened their doors to the Schlage Historic Office Building’s community space for an immersive exhibition honoring the area’s past, present, and future. Hosted by Brisbane-based non-profit art organization Lyrical Opposition, the event, Re-Entrification at the Baylands, invited locals and visitors alike to celebrate the preservation of cultural heritage and the profound sense of home that defines the fabric of the area and its surroundings.

Guests were invited to step into a world where art, photography, music, and poetry converged, creating a powerful and moving multi-sensory experience. The exhibition also offered a glimpse into Lyrical Opposition’s award-winning Re-Entrification documentary series, presenting poignant narratives that delve into the evolving landscapes and stories of San Francisco.

Lyrical Opposition was invited to be a part of a Benefit Show for Gaza Relief.

Come enjoy local artists and community in support of relief work in Gaza at 7pm on Saturday, May 18th at the Smalltown Society Clinic Space (2490 Grove Way, Castro Valley).