Letters/Notes: from Bianca Singleton

Dearest Bianca,

Do you remember in Mr. Fishweicher's class where he had the whole class write a letter to themselves that he would mail at a later date? Well, this is just like that only a. better and b. you'll actually receive it. I mean really Mr. Fishweicher totally never mailed that letter. What a bummer because that may have been pleasant. Any who, right now you're smack dab in the middle of operation get it together so that you can get out of Brooklyn, WOOT! and you're doing pretty well. How do I know? Because I am a Cyborg sent from the future to tell you all of this, I'm like Neo from the Matrix, time doesn't exist, you took the red pill kiddo. Ok, ok, ok I'm joking, obviously, but wouldn't that be awesome?!?!? I think it would be awesome, I'm sure you think it would be awesome. 

Now on to serious business, in 12 years you will be writing this letter to yourself. Right now everything seems overwhelming and like it will never get easier, but know that your situation will change, your perspective will change, and you will change. With hindsight being 20/20 there are a lot of decisions that you have yet to make that may in fact cause more harm than good. And while I am not a person of regret, and obviously you aren't either, I've compiled a list of things that you should know.

Hopefully you will make many of the same decisions because where you end up in life is pretty awesome, but I hope the following points will help you reach the same destination easier and more fulfilled.  Here it goes:  1. Do not engage in the foolery of this summer. Yes you will be tempted to prove your "courage" and you will even feel provoked, but "hood cred" will be worth absolutely nothing in a few years.  2. Your next boyfriend is a dud. You will know this in your heart from the beginning but you will try to convince yourself that entering this relationship will not hurt anyone, you're wrong.  It will hurt more people than you could even imagine and the lasting effects will be great. He's not worth it, trust me!  3. Appreciate your real friendships starting today. Pay attention! The people that are in your life right now, will be gone soon. Those that will enter in the next year, the ones who really are a part of your everyday life, are the ones that will be there 10+ years from now. Treasure them. You will lose people that are not right for you, and that is ok. Follow your instincts. Accept it and move on, no guilt, no regrets, because you will never understand the actions of these people.  4. Forgive. It is completely ok to not forget what has happened, but you will become a prisoner to the resentment that lives in your heart if you don't forgive. People can and will change, and it will be because you showed them the way with your own forgiveness. Yes, forgive her, him, and him too.  5. Spend time with your family especially your little siblings. They will not be small forever, and these years are crucial for them. You can help them avoid a lot of hardship and mistakes.  6. Join as many clubs as you can stand, and follow as many passions as you can think up. You have real passion and vision right now, and you will be intimidated and/or talked out of a lot of things in the next few years due to fear.  Don't be afraid! Dare to be great! You will go to College and do all of the "right" things, but don't let anyone but you dictate your path.  7. Think long and hard about what makes you happy. Study abroad, learn 5 languages, write, paint, explore, stay on top of those academic advisors though, because no one has the time to play with Temple for more than 4 years. You will not become a forensic Anthropologist because the money is not going to work for you, so save yourself some trouble, major in computer science or engineering, or move to an island and get your Bohemian on. But not for long because again your life will be pretty darn fantastic a few years after College graduation.  8. Over the next few years, the world will become a very strange place, but remember the following: Facebook- a social media site that will take over the Universe that allows everyone to stay connected. Next year Go to Harvard, find Mark Zuckerberg and be awesome!  YouTube- a site that will be the go to resource for songs, music videos, and random video content that will cause you to literally waste 18 million hours of your life, but you'll totally be ok with it.  Instagram- facebook but with pictures and memes of ridiculous things.  Snapchat- Instagram on speed, 15 seconds and then self destruction... I think. I'm not really sure how it works. Twitter- facebook with a 140 character limit, you will think it's lame, but it is worth it. Oovoo and Skype- both enable you to video chat. Yes you read that right, you can see the person you are talking to, no more calls from the toilet... but then again..., ok never mind. Apple- you don't need to know anything else but iPhone, Linkedin=facebook for corporate/working folk, pick 1 or all of them and either come up with it first *cough* Instagram *cough*, or be an investor and you shan't be disappointed. 9. You will attend Temple University, TU, and have some of the best times of your life, immerse yourself in the college experience and enjoy. You will have the rest of your life to be responsible and work and pay bills, but you will regret all of the memories you never got to have because you were busy being an adult long before you had to. 10. When all else fails, listen to your instincts. Whenever you get a feeling in your stomach and chest, do not ignore it no matter how ridiculous you may think you are being.

Follow your intuition, it will not mislead you. 

You are more awesome and amazing than even you know, and you will do amazing things. Make a difference, follow my advice, and help make me rich, financially that is, because you are already and will continue to be extremely rich in even more important ways.  Love always.

Over and Out!

Learn more about Bianca HERE!

Letters/Notes: from Kimmika LH Williams-Witherspoon

Dear Kimmy:

This has been the hardest writing assignment I have ever had and I have put it off and put it off (and put it off) for weeks going into months because I haven’t really known what to say. I don’t necessarily think I have lived an extraordinary life; but I have certainly lived an interesting one. Like everyone along the journey I suppose I have made my share of poor choices and mistakes but, in all good conscience, I couldn't tell you not to do this thing or that—turn left or right---try it or sit this one out, because even with the many poor choices I've made in life, I lived through them and even with the challenges, they helped me to become the woman I am today. 

Having said that, I suppose the first thing I would tell you Kimmy is to trust yourself—step out there and live! When the bad things come…and they will—know that this too shall pass and you will make it through. The key is to never give up. But you got to hang in there Kimmy.

Despite the temporal paradox—changing any one thing in the past may mean you completely alter the present (and severely cripple the future), I would tell you to be mindful that time is a gift and that regrets last a long time. 

Life is short and people don’t live forever. A missed opportunity can mean a lifetime. Remember that. You should have stayed in Florida that summer with Mama Curry—even though Aunt Chrissy wrongly accused you of acting out. You had no way of knowing that was going to be your only opportunity to really get to know her but you should have stayed, toughed it out…carried some of her with you on this journey.

I regret not making it to church that Father’s Day that would become Daddy’s last.  Mommy had the girls that weekend. After the failed first marriage—hurt and newly healing—Sunday morning cuddling with the young boyfriend was nice but in the grand scheme of things—it was nowhere near as important as being with my father on his last Father’s Day. Young and dumb, I was running late and choose instead to meet them after church at the house. I was wrong. Late or not, I should have been there. So Kimmy, set your alarm clock when Mommy tells you to come to church—kick the “jump off” out! He didn’t last long anyway and regrets last a lifetime. 

My only other regret is getting so mad at my brothers that I cut them out of a lot of my life. Change that! Let the kids make their own mistakes as they grow. You are a wonderful mother; but parents can’t stop children from falling down; but you can teach them how to get up again.

You aren't perfect Kimmy. I guess we aren't meant to be; but we are put here on earth to learn, NEVER stop learning. Learn all you can. See all you can…try all you can and then write it…record it. Beat up, bruised; but refusing to be beaten, Don’t leave the manuscripts for your three novels under your bed when you finally leave Texas! Words gone can never be retrieved again. And your words are important Kimmy—even when it seems that no one else understands or when they seem small in comparison to all they try to solve, describe or define…write Kimmy, sing Kimmy, shout Kimmy…PERFORM! That is your mission. That is your gift and it will bring you through.

Don’t think the world will end each time a marriage does…It won’t! You’ll live. You’ll raise babies into capable women…and one remarkable young man. You’ll teach, mentor and mother students that will take bits and pieces of the best of you across the country and around the world and remember that you once cared enough about them to share with them your soul. You’ll touch and nurture and grow them up while you grow yourself.

Some people say that you should keep a journal—try if you can; but just know that your poetry and your plays are your life—so write! Write it all down and keep the journals, and papers, and scribbled bar napkins—that is your journey. 

Take lots of pictures. Cherish the moments you get to spend with loved ones; Laugh out loud often. Travel. Touch history and people and be touched by them as well. Be cautious. Keep your eyes open. Try not to grow cynical and smile when your heart is breaking. Smiles and prayers are the salve that heals the broken and recharges the soul.

Please, don’t be too disappointed with me that this isn't a more definitive map, outlining all the “dos” and “don’ts”—trust me—you don’t need one. Just remember to embrace all the good times and with every challenge, every time you get knocked down…take the dare…stand back up, again!

And, I’ll be there with you—in the mirror!

To learn more about Kimmika, click HERE!

Letters/Notes: from Shanel

Dear Shanel-

I promise you everything will make sense soon.  I know you are struggling feeling comfortable in your skin.  You hear the voices of those who love you and believe their voices are your own.  They are not.  You are amazing as you are and do not ever need to compromise yourself for others.  Everyone will think they know what is best for you, what you like and what will make you successful.  The truth is, you will make your own happiness that will lead to your own success but only when you have peace within your self.  I am not here to tell you that it will be OK every second, but I am here to tell you during your darkest moments that are ahead, hold true to you and breathe.

Shanel, you will learn that the universe is here to give you what you want.  You must put your energy into the love, peace and happiness that WILL surround you.  Those who try to take your light are NOT your friends, they are NOT your lovers.  If you do not remember this lesson, or wish to let your stubborn ways push you forward into unhappiness and misery, learn a lesson from the situation and DO BETTER with your next decision.  Never keep riding the carousel, you get dizzy and bitter and it thwarts your pursuit of happiness.

Even though your family turned on you when you came out, don’t take it personal.  They had dreams and wishes THEY didn’t fulfill and wanted their dreams to be lived by you.  Does that even make sense?! Realize this and forgive them, but never compromise self again.  You will find family in friends that will help you through your dark times ahead.  Remember those who you do not get along with do NOT need to be in your vibration, blood or other.  You are free.  You can be free.  You can be loved, respected and recognized but only if you allow yourself to be.

I love you Shanel, and learn to love you too...sooner than later. 

Love,

Shanel Sherese

To learn more about Shanel, click HERE!

Letters/Notes: from Lisa Saunders

Hello Lisa,

I am your future. I am here to deliver some wisdom for you in hope that will take heed and embrace it. If you do, you will be able to avoid some of the pitfalls that I have encountered along the way. 

One of the most important lessons that I have learned is, it is ESSENTIAL to learn how to completely and unequivocally learn to love yourself! Learn how to accept you for who you are which is an AMAZING spiritual being. Learn who and where you come from which is from a ALL knowing and LOVING God! Know that you are WORTHY of being loved UNCONDITIONALLY and do not accept and settle for anything less. 

Learn how to let go and FORGIVE immediately because if you don't you are blocking any and all blessings of manifestation to you.

Learn how to "receive" as much as you "give!" They go hand in hand. 

Do not be afraid to let that wonderful and BRILLIANT light shine! You ARE an "Earth-Angel!" Don't be afraid of what others may think or say about "your-journey!"

Just do YOU!

Learn the poem by Marianne Williamson: "Our Deepest Fear!" It will carry you a very long way. 

Most importantly LIVE! Live and do whatever makes YOU HAPPY! Embrace this life and never look back! Turn "inward" and learn how to "Abide in the silence."

LISTEN to that "still small voice" for that is the voice of God!

It will NEVER STEER YOU WRONG! 

And last but not least, KNOW that you are NEVER ALONE! Know that your Guardian Angels are ALWAYS with you to help you in your journey.

Call on them. They want you to use them for that is there purpose. 

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE!!

To learn more about Lisa, click HERE!

Letters/Notes: from Maleka Diggs

Dearest Self,

Your name is Maleka Moniece Gilbert. Your first name means, queen. Your middle name means, to advise and your last name means, bright pledge of German lineage. Walk in the power of your name. Never let anyone destroy that light.

Maleka, you were born into poverty and adversity. Your mother, of African descent; has a high school education and birthed you just after she graduated high school. Your father is from St. Vincent & The Grenadines and came to the United States of America as a Military Police Officer for the United States Army. You are the first grand-daughter on your father's side to be born in this country.

As you journey through life, many obstacles will challenge you. Though I cannot change what those surround you do; I can say to be strong and brave. The mental struggle that you will encounter will test every fiber of your being. You will find days that all hope seems lost. You will question everything; but feel stifled due to age, gender, size, race and culture. Do not give up. 

Always follow your instincts. Never feel less than; even in the face of those that see you as such. The understanding of yourself, history and environment will play a pivotal role in your future. The interests, skills and talents you possess will not be common, even deemed weird in the environment in which you live. Do not give up. 

No one has more control over you then yourself. The moment that lesson is lost; your view will become foggy. This does not mean, its over. Learn from every moment and you will shine. Please understand, that everyone on this earth has their own challenges and when you look past the superficial; you are one.

I will not share the stories that have allowed me to craft this letter to you. If I have learned anything; it's that everything happens for a reason. It frustrates me that I have made that decision; but just getting the answers and not the experience will be of no benefit to you. In fact, it is an extreme detriment. Their are no failures; but moments to raise to the occasion.

To conclude this note of awareness would be impossible, so...I will continue my journey and maybe one day you will share your thoughts with the you of our future.

With Love & Admiration,

M

To learn more about Maleka, click HERE!

Letters/Notes: from Adrianna Matthews [To The Girl Who Always Struggled]

To The Girl Who Always Struggled

To the girl who always struggled

We will not say your name

But I just want to let you know

I understand your pain.

To the girl who always struggled

Do not feel ashamed

Life is full of troubles

But in return strength is gained.

To the girl who always struggled

Do not feel alone

Someday it will be over

At peace and rest will be your soul 

To the girl who always struggled 

I know your heart lies in vain

But there is greatness in your tomorrow

Just keep waiting for your day.

Once upon a time

There was born a little girl

Fragile, battled, scared and broken

Was her placement in this world

Lost, and hopeless

She could not focus

Too many burdens in her heart

Distance and dependence

Then became her mark

Her life was shattered

Fearful, scattered

She always felt apart

Longing for another

To heal and cleanse

Her from the dark

Although she knew

That she was special

Her sadness

Overtook her spark

For many years

Enslaved she labored

As a victim of her scars

To the girl who always struggled

Girl you gotta be strong

Fight through your pain

Allow your happiness to grow

To the girl who always struggled

Put a smile on your face 

Today it may have rained

But there will be brighter days

To the girl who always struggled 

You Gotta tough big old heart

Battling many demons

Trust I know that it’s hard

To the girl who always struggled

God will keep you in grace

Girl I’m living proof

That you will get through your pain

I used to be stressed everyday

Whole life was just a mess

Praying every night

For someday to wake up blessed

Confused about who I was

Couldn’t stand to bare this flesh

I stayed getting teased  

Not a day I had to rest

Misunderstood for my skin

I was too light

And that wasn’t right

Not black enough 

But still too dark to pass for white

Never fit in

It doesn’t matter everywhere I go

Identified as strange and the girl no one really knows

Pitiful I felt 

All alone a broken soul

Holding so much anger

Always ready to explode 

I had to make a change soon

So I could finally feel whole

No this life ain’t good for me

 I have to let it go.

To the girl who always struggled

If you think you gotta bad

Understand I’m by your side 

Appreciate what you have

To the girl who always struggled

You have to find yourself quick

Your life is passing by 

While you’re crying, dying 

You cannot quit!

To the girl who always struggled

You must toughen up

There’s others out there fighting

Deeper battles then you love

To the girl who always struggled

You have to heal your own heart

Be an inspiration

Show the world who you are

So I gave up all the crying

Whipped the tears from my eyes

No longer insecure or broken

No more hurting my pride  

I ripped through all my scars 

As I drained out the pain

Gonna make it my choice,

 to be happier today

Finally felt relief

I could finally escape

For the first time in my life

I felt I was brave

Then I opened up my heart

Had reinsurance 

Strength was gained

Now I see the light

No longer do I feel at shame

To the girl who always struggled

Don’t you wanna feel alive?

Quit bringing down yourself

There’s so much beauty deep inside

To the girl who always struggled

Don’t let your skin be a threat

Find acceptance within yourself

There will no more neglect

To the girl who always struggled

So you’re different

But that’s bold

You are unique

And you are pretty

It’s time that you show off your glow

To the girl who always struggled

Come on let’s be happy and free

Today is your tomorrow

Now be the best you can be

To learn more about Adrianna, click HERE!

Letters/Notes: from The Ignant Intellectual [Letter to 16]

Letter to 16

I live in Harlem. I will be 35 in exactly 179 days. I am going to sky-dive on that day. No matter how high my fear factor is, I’m jumping. I have a passport. With stamps. I have friends. Who I love. And who love me. I’m not talking to my mom. My godmother died in September. My grandmother and Nanny Ocy (her older sister) died within 4 hours of each other in 2006. They were room mates in the nursing home. Skippy died two years ago. I have a gut and I struggle staying in shape and eating right. New Orleans drowned. Nothing is the same. Nothing has really changed. I am a full-time entrepreneur. That’s both good and bad. I feel like I have no home. I am scared. Shytless. I don’t feel like I do enough, yet am often exhausted. I think I’ve found my passion. Money is funny. Change is strange. I am single. Very very single. I still have hope. Love encamps me. 

Right now your biggest concern is how to get your mama to buy you those Used Jeans and Tretorns. You want some Girbauds, too. She’s not big on name brands and neither are you, but every now and then, a teenager wants to look like every other teenager walking around. 

I know you wish that boys paid more attention to you and less attention to the ‘fly girls’. If only Everell, Darryl, Armond, Jonas, Isaac, and/or Brandon would notice you, they’d fall in love with you instantly. I wish I could tell you that someone will come along and you both would fall in love instantly, but at 34 and single, I’m wondering how true that is. I can say this, though. All those girls they are chasing behind, will look like shyt in 15 years. Wait until you see Dominique at your 15 year high school reunion. Revel in that shyt. 

But really, over the next 20 years, you’ll realize that you don’t really want boys anyway. CATCH IT! Yes ma’am. You will begin to develop a queer identity and it will shift your life and propel it in some of the most amazing directions. Surely, many won’t like it, but your life isn’t for nobody but you to like. You’ll also realize that all those ‘I don’t really feel like a girl’ feelings you’ve always had, will begin to have a name and its own language. And you will begin to also develop a trans-gender identity. CATCH THAT T!

Your hair will stop growing because it was the one thing people validated you on. You even won ‘Best Hair’ in high school. And you will take that validation and it will result in over-processing and essentially frying your scalp which will scar the skin and for years it won’t grow. 

And you don't know yet, but your grandmother will be the person you miss most in the world when she passes. And while y’all always got along, you’ll wish you had spent more time with her. But it won’t be until she’s gone that you’ll realize just how much alike y’all were. That all those times she defended you in showing your shape off or wearing something kinda scandalous, it was really her way of saying ‘Do not let others police your body.’ ‘And you own you’. But wasn’t all that language back then. She was a maverick too. But like many, you won’t realize that until it’s too late. And it won’t be easy to shake the regret. She’ll visit you in your dreams. But she won’t say anything. She’ll always be in the background. Cleaning up. Or cooking something. Just as a reminder that she’s there with you. And it will be more comforting than her actually being in the foreground. 

Your dreams of being a cardiothoracic surgeon will fade eventually. GASP! Yes. You aren’t going to medical school. Spirit has something else in store for you. You will find that your passions can be found in Social Justice and you will become a Social & Cultural Critic and it will look good on you. 

So walk this road. You will often feel alone. 

Make mistakes. They’ll give you wisdom. 

Fail forward. Learn the difference between sucumbing to fear and engaging fear. 

When you feel the lump well in your throat, that’s God’s way of saying ‘speak’. 

You are doing well.

Sincerely,

The 34 Year Old You

Learn more about The Ignant Intellectual HERE!

Letters/Notes: from Terri Clifton [A Visit To 19]

A Visit to Nineteen

Why are you there, by the window with your chin in your hand, Nineteen?

I watch you, you know. Going through your days. The risks you take, the ones you don't. Letting everyone think you're cocksure even when you don't have a clue. Maybe not the best strategy, but the one you've chosen. It will do for now.

You've found only half your confidence, the part that believes in what you can do, and it makes me wish for some way to show you how to believe in who you are. But scanning forward, I know that life will teach you soon enough.

All the answers you seek are inside you. Outside things—people, events—will trigger your ability to access them. Lessons will be repeated until learned.

I float here, a wisp of future, too insubstantial to leave you with anything except wishes. But there's a deep magic in wishes from the heart, so this I'll do.

I wish you Love. The all pervasive kind that colors everything you look at, especially yourself.  It will break your heart, multiple times. Small breaks, and deep bruises. But never let go.

I wish you Energy and the knowledge that it has to be replenished from within. You produce your own power and it has to be fed. Nourish your body and your mind everyday.

I wish you Passion, which is the combination of the first two. Use it.

I know for a fact these three wishes find you. I'm glad that you cannot see the path you'll take; it would frighten you. Just know you make it.

I'll be watching your tears, your triumphs.  I'll be amazed at your strength and courage, which you'll gift to me. Thank you for all you go through to find them.

And I'll be watching that day when it begins to click, the one where you learn to live in the moment, to know that your happiness is all in your hands and your attitude determines much of your path.

There's a great deal of hard work ahead of you, but you'll manage. You'll build your dreams, one day at at a time. I am that dream, and I am alive.

Keep going, Nineteen. We've more to accomplish yet. I'll do my part.

(I find myself smiling, wondering what our future self is seeing, wishing for me now.)

One last thing before I go, child. Be at peace with the mistakes you'll make; I've already forgiven you. Every step you took brought me here, and I love you for it.

To learn more about Terri click HERE!

Celebrity Note: from Hollie McNish

"I would tell young Hollie not to worry about finishing every piece of homework perfectly,

to relax a little and to concentrate on the nice people

but not to hate those who seem horrible at the moment."

Meet the Womyn: Blush

Blush’s entrepreneurial endeavors began as a way to identify constructive uses of her time outside of work. She moved to New Jersey in 2002 with few obligations besides her full-time job; thus, she was able to take the time to explore many personal and professional interests. To this end, her interest in the esthetics industry was sparked while doing promotional modeling work for a well-known cosmetics brand: as a person with absolutely no formal training, she wound up doing makeup at a large event! From that very day, she began seeking out makeup artist workshops and training opportunities. Today, she is a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician.  She makes house calls for private clients seeking corrective skin treatments and works with models and brides throughout the Delaware Valley. Blush also holds a BA from the University of Georgia and an MPA from the University of Kansas. Her professional life reflects her personal mantra: always evolving and growing.  As she blossoms, her intention to grow her business in a manner that focuses on total beauty, inside and out.  Indeed, her new motto is "Pretty Faces and Beautiful Souls" which reflects her deeply held belief that people must develop their full selves in order to achieve happiness, confidence and contentment.

Meet the Womyn: Amber West

Amber West is a feminist poet and theater-maker originally from California. Her poems have appeared in journals such as Calyx, The Feminist Wire, and Southword, and in the anthology Women Write Resistance: Poets Resist Gender Violence. Her plays and “puppet poems” have been performed on the east and west coasts. She has published essays in Episodes from a History of Undoing: The Heritage of Female Subversiveness, The Routledge Companion to Puppetry & Material Performance, Journal of Research on Women & Gender, and Puppetry International. She earned her BA in Literature/Creative Writing at UC Santa Cruz, her MFA in Poetry at NYU and her PhD in English at UConn. For many years she’s taught poetry to underserved youth through nonprofits like America SCORES. She lives in Brooklyn, NY where she is co-founder of the volunteer artist collective, Alphabet Arts, and director of Puppets & Poets, an annual festival blending poetry, puppetry, and other arts.

Letters/Notes: from Kameelah Waheed [Kamise LaShawn]

Dear Kamise Lashawn,

            The name that you were born with, yeah you the one with the chip on her shoulder, the hidden object camouflaged in a mirage of American family standards.

I am addressing this memo to you, yeah you the introvert, angry baby with the solemn look. Right now you feel lost, confused and things are happening so fast in your small world that you disappear into the lining. Now- you don’t matter much gone is your glory, the attention, the affection the simple words  - I love you.

            You can no longer speak out, your voice has grown smaller than you and as you grow bigger in those size 10 shoes at age 10 your voice becomes speechless.

 You watch the others and take your place in the shadows. You relinquish your power again and again; first there was Christie the brown skinned long haired doll who sat upright in her baby fat, when you pulled her hair it would grow longer and longer right before your very eyes!  She was snatched away given to another child. Sally the blonde haired blue-eyed doll was purposefully left behind in the swelling heat of a South Carolina crummy motel and Dashund the long skinny dog that befriended you when no one recognized your existence. You were punished for feeding, and caring for another living being.

            The icing was the violin your final retreat into your room, you’d sit not understanding how your life changed so quickly, drastically, no more James the one who treated you like his own. No freedom to think or talk other than what the Nation thought was appropriate. So you’d reach up into the closets top shelf -you’d bring her down stroking the case that housed it opening it slowly like the wrapper on a piece of smooth milk chocolate that piece of chocolate that you wanted to last longer than everyone else’s. You would tuck the wood instrument under your chin just like the teacher showed you, remove the bow and begin the chords on Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb. Smelling the wood it was a scent that enlighten your soul and lifted your spirit floating away from 532 Randolph Street.

             I remind you of this I remind you when you feel that you shall not speak or when your introverted self makes a surprise drop by (hello its me shhhh). I remind you of this to strengthen you to remember there are others like you before you and after you who will be shut up, shut down and feel powerless. You will earn your place on the mic you will finally stand up and shout, jump up and down and pound your fist until they believe you insane but you will have found your voice! Do not apologize do not relent do not shut up or shut down release what has been bottled up breathe in the nostalgic smell of that violin let it wake you like smelling salts, continue to raise the volume speak up against and out you have earned it! You stayed your place long enough. 

You will be amazed that Kamise, yeah you the introvert the one hiding in her closet dialoguing with friends who do not exist in human dimensions the one who hid her face in shame over something she had no control. Your time will come my sweet lovable loving awesome beautiful young girl your time will come!!!!!

Learn more about Kameelah HERE!

Meet the Womyn: Kimmika L. H. Williams-Witherspoon, PhD

PhD (Cultural Anthropology), M.A. (Anthropology), MFA (Theater), Graduate Certificate) Women’s Studies, B.A. (Journalism); is an Associate Professor in the Theater Department in the Division of Theater, Film and Media Arts at Temple University. The 2008, $50,000 Research and Creative Scholarship Seed Grant Co-recipient, 2003 Provost’s Arts Commission Grant recipient ($5000); a 2001 Independence Foundation Theater Communications Group Grant, the 2000 winner of the PEW Charitable Trust $50,000 fellowship in scriptwriting, and the 1999, winner of the DaimlerChrysler “Spirit of the Word” National Poetry Competition (Seattle), Kimmika Williams has also been the recipient of a host of awards and honors, including: the DaimlerChrysler Regional Poetry Contest (Philadelphia), the 1996, Lila Wallace Creative Arts Fellowship with the American Antiquarian Society and a two-time returning playwright with the Minneapolis Playwrights’ Center and Pew Charitable Trusts Playwrights Exchange. The author of Through Smiles and Tears: The History of African American Theater—from Kemet to the Americas. (LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing: 2011)and The Secret Messages in African American Theater: Hidden Meaning Embedded in Public Discourse” (Edwin Mellen Publishing, 2006) Williams’-Witherspoon is the author of nine books of Poetry, has published essays and articles in a host of publications and is a recipient of numerous Residency, Teaching and Community Service Awards including citations from City Council, The Goode Admin., the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the key to the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania (1992)

Letters/Notes: from Awinda Otieno-Pala [Younger Self]

Dear Beautiful One,

 The truth is, you were born to stand out. Yet somehow, sometime, & somewhere you have convinced yourself that you can "chameleonize" yourself-change your outward image to blend in with your environment; and yet despite your skillful (and somewhat successful) efforts, you have yet to figure out how and why you're so easily spotted in the hardest of places! A zebra cannot hide within its own stripes because the zebra was made for those stripes inasmuch as they were made for the zebra. In the same way, the sun cannot hide within its own light-the result would be catastrophic. It's time to own your stripes. Only you can wear them. Stop holding back your light-there are others who depend on it to glow-be their sun, and let them reflect your light. 

 You spend your time searching the heavens for those things that the naked eye cannot see. Your vision is a gift I pray you are allowed to develop early. 

The world will see you and despise you for what it sees you do.You, however, need to learn to challenge what the world sees -the so called world view-and never agree with their "NO", because you were born for assignment. You can never take on their view, you can seek to understand it, but you can never agree with it. The moment  you accept their view is the moment you accept blindness-do not forfeit your vision. This message may seem too difficult for some to understand, but only you know what you have seen, and as much as you want to, you cannot ignore the yearnings of your heart.

You will have to learn that fear is your nemesis. To be afraid is to be silent-it does not help your purpose. Something within you requires you to speak hope into the lives of others-do not let your voice be stifled.

Learn to love your family and your siblings. The things that define them will also distinguish you. 

It will take a while for you to realize your true worth, but when you do, no one will able to cheapen your value any longer. 

You have faced a hard life. When you share your story with others, they always ask you HOW you made it, but you question WHY you’re still living. Be patient, your purpose will unfold in due season. The things you have experienced only you can carry. Your strength goes beyond the physical, because your spirit is so ALIVE in you, that nothing-NOT DEPRESSION-nothing-NOT LACK-nothing-NOT even LONELINESS can kill you. 

You have made sleep your best friend-because you think sleep can keep you from facing the fears of the day, or the troubles that come with it. But time is eternal, my friend, and so are troubles. Learn to choose wisely how to handle your day, and you will go far in your life.

Do not dismay when others realize their dreams while you are in waiting-you’re time is coming. 

There are three things you must never forget

Always be thankful-even for the little things. Don’t take for granted the air you breathe, the food you eat, or the ground you walk on. 

Always give - your gift will make room for you

Stay Humble- never get too full of yourself that you forget to show kindness to those who have helped you along the way. You are only entitled to the rewards of your choices - Mercy belongs to the Holy One, and kindness is scarce in this world nowadays, so act accordingly. 

Never settle-keep striving-keep pushing-keep moving. Keep your eyes forward. You may rest a while but pick yourself back up. Keep yours eyes focused on your destination and you will surely arrive.

Sincerely,

Your Loving Sister

Learn more Awinda HERE!

Today's Quotes/News: Spotlight on Maiya Andrews

My name is Maiya Vashti Andrews.  I was born with Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that is characterized as abnormal blood cells that are rigid and shaped like a sickle; hence the word Sickle Cell disease. There are so many formal medical terms that I could copy off the internet about the disease to define its nature and the pain that it has caused me however this disease does not define who I am.  So let me begin again. My name is Maiya Vashti Andrews. I am an honor roll student; I am the president and a member of the Macedonia Baptist church youth choir as well as a liturgical dancer. I am an active member of the Interact Club and Central Steppers step team at Central Regional High school where I attend school.

When I was much younger, I struggled with keeping up in school because I spent most days in the hospital.  I never had an issue with making friends but I worked very hard to keep them from asking too many questions about why I missed so much school.  I was smaller in stature than most of my peers and I required a lot of tutoring due to missed days of school. I spent many days worrying about whether my peers would think that there was something wrong with me and I was fearful that my peers would think they could “catch” the disease. More often than not I would lie about where I was when had to be hospitalized for days and weeks at a time. Sometimes I would tell peers that I was on vacation or I just did not feel like going to school. I felt ashamed to lie but it was the best I could do to keep kids from asking about the disease that I hated so much. Being a small kid that had to be hospitalized every 3 to 4 weeks can take its toll.

Today, I don’t have to lie to peers about being in the hospital so frequently.  Today, I am blessed to see the inside of a hospital room only once year. I don’t have to worry about going back into the hospital week after week, matter of fact I forget I have sickle cell most of the time. I use to over think things when it came to having sickle cell and by doing that, it held me back from reaching my goals. But now my mom has to actually remind me to make sure I take care of myself to avoid having to go back to the hospital. Typically my current hospitalizations are due to other minor issues unrelated to Sickle Cell. Much of this is due to the chronic blood transfusions that I receive every four weeks.  My life is blessed. I’m blessed in that I don’t think about the earlier part of my life where I struggled in pain all the time.  I can focus on here and now and the future that I feel will be so bright.  I am not defined by this disease that doctors have labeled me with.  I am so much more.  I am Maiya Vashti Andrews, student, dancer, activist, daughter, child of God.

Meet the Womyn: Awinda Otieno-Pala

Born Vanessa Awinda Otieno-Pala, but among my close friends, and colleagues, I prefer to be known by my middle name Awinda. I was raised in Nairobi, Kenya where I learned first-hand about plants mainly by climbing the avocado and loquat fruit trees in my family’s front yard, and by watching my aunt grow leafy greens and onions, in our backyard to supplement the household income & food. My real journey began when I attended college at Temple University. I was undecided on my majors my first 2 years attending. The answer to my prayer was Horticulture- Ironically; I was staring at a leaf at the exact time the answer came. From then on I began on the path to reconnect with my love for plants and nature. In 2005, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Temple in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. After Temple, I was introduced to Skip Weiner, Executive Director of Urban Tree Connections (UTC), and to UTC, where I have helped oversee after school programs in the Haddington area of West Philadelphia, as well as assisted with teaching a work ready summer program in South West Philadelphia. I also helped design and teach a landscape design program for the Green Jobs Training Program in the West Oak Lane area of Philadelphia funded by Foundations Inc. I strongly believe in shaping the ideas and concepts I learned throughout my career into teaching tools that can be used to strengthen or grow communities. 

Meet the Womyn: Terri Clifton

Terri Clifton is a writer of fiction and non-fiction and was awarded  a fellowship as 2013 Emerging Professional in Fiction Literature by the DDoA. Her non-fiction book,  A Random Soldier, is a memoir of her son, Chad, who was killed in action in Iraq and fulfills a promise made. She has recently completed her first adult novel and is near completion of a middle grade novel. Her interests include photography, music and time with nature and friends. She is involved with her community, literacy issues, and is the director of a foundation benefiting Veterans. She makes her home on a historic farm at the edge of the Delaware Bay with her son Ryan and husband Richard, an internationally known wildlife artist.

Meet the Womyn: Kaci Fannin

Kaci M. Fannin is a native Houstonian and independent filmmaker hailing from the University of Texas @ Austin film school.  After her education there, she spent the following 15+ years building a successful performance and filmmaking career while based in Los Angeles and New York, respectively. Kaci has worked on several studio films and more than a dozen independents as both talent and crew.  She has most recently served as Producer on the documentary DRAMA MAMAS!:The Film and as Consulting Producer for the independent feature, DREAMS AT THE END OF A ROPE, which is currently in distribution. Throughout her performance and production career, Kaci has had the good fortune to work with and be trained by industry leaders such as directors Duane Clark, Peter Werner and Paul Hunter; casting director Linda Phillips-Palo (Virgin Suicides, The Rainmaker); and broadway veterans director/choreographer Susan Stroman (The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys) and John Kander (of the legendary songwriting team Ebb & Kander, Cabaret, Chicago), to name only a few. Kaci is Founding Producer at BanjiGirl Productions, a collective committed to discovering, developing and producing new and under-represented voices/visions in independent theatre and film. www.imdb.com/name/nm0266816/

Meet the Myn: The Ignant Intellectual

Thought Leader. Social & Cultural Critic. Published Writer. Social Justice Trainer/Facilitator. Curriculum Developer. Professional Blogger. Epidemiologist. Statistician. Poetry Facilitator. Drug & Alcohol Therapist. Spelman Dude. New Orleanian. Non-conformist. The Bridge between the Hood & the Ivory Tower. The Ignant Intellectual. Master procrastinator. In 2011, The Ignant Intellectual launched the brand The Ignant Intellectual: The Bridge Between the Hood & the Ivory Tower. The Ignant Intellectual Brand began as a socio-political blog providing social & cultural critiques. Since, it has expanded to include radical critically-engaging speaking engagements and education around LGBTQIA issues including novel curriculum development services and content development/editing.  www.facebook.com/TheIgnantIntellectual 

Letters/Notes: from Isee InPoetry [Reflections]

You are an elaborate memory 

Of a once upon a time happily ever after kind of dream

Of what endless determination toward forward progress really means 

And I am lost in descriptions of you given by others 

With high admiration and high cheek bones

The say you went to college and stayed home to be a mother 

You even left to fight for your country

Damn, you are a celebrity by the stories created about your history

But wouldn’t you believe it

Someone told me the other day  

That you were just another around the way girl 

With many notches on her belt 

Little room left for self-esteem or self-respect

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

Your stomach got fatter 

Because of procreation or procrastination;

The bruises on your knees 

Could have been caused by suck D

Or pray to my man Jes’

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

You had dreams of being President of the United States 

And now you work behind a counter serving dinner plates 

In a paper bag 

Cashing paycheck that barely provide enough sustenance 

To make your pants fit tight

But from where I sit they look alright.. .to me

See, they say you got on welfare because that’s all you are worth 

And they say you left your kids 

To be free from restrictions, and domestic duties, and responsibility 

Not to serve your country 

Man, you always seem to be in their mouth?

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

Your pants may not fit like they used to 

And your life may not be going the way you want it to

That empty frame hanging on your wall where your college diploma should be 

But isn’t because of activities that babies bring

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

You misunderstood your purpose and used your body for sex; 

Coming in second best 

Gaining mound of labels and discontentment 

From the prescriptions you now take 

Because of the attention you so craved; 

STD is not the title to a video game

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

Come on now, dry those tears falling down

I mean many lives have been lost before they begun

Maybe this time it would have been a daughter or a son

By father time’s watch the procedure went quick

But you heard the heartbeat coming from it

Right before they suctioned it 

You threw away your night of a passionate mistakes 

A procedure that could have been prevented 

By the restraint of using birth control

You feel your hopes turn cold 

As you become consumed by should haves, would haves, and maybes 

A young woman with angels for babies and you hate yourself for it

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

You now wear depression as a business suit; 

Using it as an excuse 

For your outward appearance

Turning your inward pain into outward gain of sympathy; 

Hoping that someone will notice and come rescue you

You don’t want this bottle of Vicodin to consume you

Oh, what about the pint of alcohol you drank too 

No one wants to hear about how many times he violated you

It happened when you were in high school

And it was probably all your fault too

How dare you walk around with eyes

That seduce the old and young at heart 

Without understanding the intentions of those with rancid thoughts

That scar still burns deeply doesn’t it? 

Branded on you for the world to see

So they can laugh, kick and push you

But never helping you up Queen

Take my hand; understanding is all you need

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

Sleepless dreamer look at me, 

Life may not be going the way you though it should be 

So wipe the dust off your shoulders and dirt off your knees

Scars exist for the world to see 

Because even though we fall down we all have the opportunity

To learn the lessons of the artwork the world left behind by life’s misery

You know they gone’ say what they say, BUT IT DON’T MATTER

Share your story with the rest of the world

Be a scar for some other little girl

And redefine what that means

Because a girl that’s been scarred creates a woman that’s seen

The good, bad, ugly, and in between 

And there will be nay-sayers who don’t understand what you are trying to do?

But they are the ones who just might need your testimony more than you

Because all know they say what they say; people gonna talk  regardless of how hard you pray; and it’s easier to retaliate than look the other way; and you might from time to time want to slap the shit out their face, but keep your mind on your purpose and again I say

IT DON’T MATTER NO WAY!

It was then that I realized 

That sometimes we are our own worst enemy

And “they” was “I” looking back at me

Self-discovery 

Silently writing my way toward my destiny, 

Poetically

Poetry you save me

~Isee InPoetry for The Sincerely, she Project ©2014

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