Cyd Ahlberg — Poet and Multimedia Storyteller

Cyd Ahlberg, also known as CJ Giovanni, is a lifelong poet, talented graphic designer, compelling visual artist and keen-eyed photographer. A Savannah native, she is dedicated to honoring the legacy of storytelling by sharing her story and the stories of her elders with the next generation.

Inspired by poets Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez, Cyd delivers moving performances that blend music with spoken word to evoke raw historical narratives and reflect on life’s complexities. Through impassioned spoken word performances, she explores themes including faith, love, mental health, music and the Black experience.

She earned acclaim at the 2023 Savannah Grammar Poetry Slam and is a featured artist at community events, including Savannah Day of Peace, Sapelo Island Cultural Day, the Black Moses Freedom Festival, the Savannah Black Arts Expo and the Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival.