Emanuelee Bean, known as "Outspoken Bean," is a celebrated artist, mentor, and poet with a distinguished legacy in performance and arts advocacy. Born in New Jersey and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Bean made history as Houston's Poet Laureate through 2023 and was awarded the prestigious Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship (2022–2024).

Inspired by a desire to one day take the final stage at the National Poetry Slam, Bean embraced the advice of renowned slam poet Gypsee Yo, who said, “Create your own final stage.” From this guidance, Bean began curating live, poetry-based events, which led to the creation of the Woodson Black Fest. Now in its fourth installment, the festival is produced by Outspoken Bean in collaboration with the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

A passionate advocate for creative expression, Bean's electrifying performances have graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Hobby Center, and the Wortham Theater, earning him global recognition as an artist and cultural ambassador.