Rebecca Butterfly Vaughns is an acclaimed and award-winning poet and a Miami native. She will present her unique syncopating rhythms of poetry and spoken word as part of our celebration of poetry and jazz in Overtown. 

Rebecca Vaughns is a native of Miami, Florida. She's been writing poetry since the age of 10. This is her 26/21 year. She started on the poetry scene in May of 1997 and took the leap to be a full-time poet in August of 2002. In that time, Butterfly has released 14 studio albums, produced 9 stage shows, self-published 3 books of poetry and received numerous awards and proclamations. Her ability to freestyle poetry leaves audiences amazed. She's been referred to as the Jay-Z of poetry. She's South Florida's poetic child. Her weaved words have brought tears to the eyes of Fantasia, Keke Palmer, and Maxwell. Her slogan is: I go wherever words are desired. No special occasion is off limits. She can tailor a poem for any and every kind of event. Rebecca Vaughns is always ready with words. She definitely has no problem being put on the spot. Rapper MC Lyte called her a talented one. Singer Charlie Wilson called her a woman with words. Former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine Susan Taylor told her she has a way with words and was highly impressed to learn of her being a full-time poet~spoken word artist at her 15-year mark.