My very first essay entry was for the D.A.R.E program. A program that was introduced into the schools to inspire the youth to refrain from drug use and violence. I was in the 5th grade attending North Park Elementary School in Racine, WI. Even though I was a child, I felt like it was my…
Author: ArtRoot's Writer-In-Residence
The ArtRoot Writer-In-Residence (WIR) project is an initiative founded by ArtRoot, a collaboration of artists and arts advocates who are determined to reinvigorate Racine, WI through the arts. This project is supported by the Racine Literacy Council, and funded through a generous grant from the Osborne & Scekic Family Foundation.
This project seeks to spotlight Racine and Kenosha’s dynamic literary community while encouraging, supporting, and advocating on behalf of writers at all stages of their careers.
Dirty chucks
I dreamt that I was walking down the halls of an unfamiliar school. The school may have been unfamiliar but the way that I carried myself in my pupil days was not. I’ve always had a big spirit, but growing up I didn’t always know that or know my purpose or how valuable it was….
Who am I
Fumbling around in the dark Fighting faceless monsters Collecting scars like badges That tells stories of repeated lessons Or flawless victories Desperately trying to find light To be able to see what battles are ahead The pressure of wanting to be seen, heard and understood Without trails and obstacles in place Building character by learning…
God
The innocent me Seeks divine intelligence To express myself
Roses are red, water is cleansing
She walked along the riverbank Heart drenched with sorrow Eyes searching for a savior Mind wandering through flashing life memories She wore white for this occasion As if she were arriving for a baptism Only she was preparing for her ending She was over it This thing called the human experience The more she thought…
Prayer and offerings
Family gathering for the living and deceased Table spread with savory foods, rich bread, and sweets A voided space between realms filled with laughter Candles lit for prayer, protection, and to guide our loved ones along the way Water poured into fancy glasses for libations and hydration Music playing to raise the frequency of the…
My truth, your truth, whose truth?
The truth will set you free or hold others in captivity. Hear me out. We journey through life experiencing all of these beautiful lessons. I say beautiful because each experience is a lesson that leads to our expansion. That growth and expansion could be mental, emotional, physical, and/or spiritual. Nonetheless, growth is beautiful to experience,…
Bath house
Bath House. Private. Hidden sanctuary that only the lost souls can find. The map is their sorrow, their tears a stream of tranquil waters and their longing for healing keeps them afloat. Bath house. Private. Hidden sanctuary that only the broken souls have the password for admission. When they arrive at the gate, the whispers of…
Writing with purpose
I remember years ago I told my cousin JaJuan Harris that I wanted to take writing poetry, stories, raps, and songs more seriously. He gave me literally the BEST advice a big cousin could give! He told me to make sure that I write with purpose. To not mislead people, be a bad influence, or…
Event Announcement + Four Poems
Before the final poems that I’ll be posting in my tenure as the Racine Writer-in-Residence, I want to say thank you to all the readers who have visited over the past six months. I would also like to invite everyone to attend the Open Mic & Performance Showcase I’ll be hosting as my community project…
ArtRoot Writer-In-Residence 