Essmaa Litim, also known by her stage name as Yessmaa, is a cultural curator, author, and award-winning spoken word artist whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, social equity, and community building. A first-generation Algerian American, Essmaa uses poetry as both an artistic practice and a public-facing tool for cultural preservation, healing, and advocacy.

Her performances and collaborations span across New England, with notable features including Puma, Moderna, WGBH, Tufts University, the Boston Book Festival, Voices in Power at City Winery, and Poetry Me Please. In recognition of her impact and artistic excellence, she was awarded Spoken Word Artist of the Year by the Boston Music Awards in 2025, and previously received the Extraordinary Woman Award from the Boston Mayor’s Office for Women’s Advancement in 2023 for her commitment and dedication to her community, neighborhood, and workplace…