Teens, poetry and excitement seem like an unlikely combination – but therein lies the magic of Poetry Out Loud. Since 2005, the program has been engaging new generations of students to not only read, but to embrace the rich legacy of this art form by competing to recite a poem, thereby making it their own. […]
A small gift Something we say about a heartfelt present Or used to describe one that provides, guides and uplifts My mama Educates My mama Motivates As of late you have been that *constant* Keeping me rooted in faith Encouraging me to stay in the race Like a lioness stalks her prey, You chase the […]
ONLY A BLACK WOMAN Can take a week of leftover scraps and make a gourmet meal Can cuss a man out, then make love to him that night and make him feel like a king. Can wear a burgundy French roll, 3-inch heels and a split up her thigh to work and make it look […]
Everyone needs some time to think. Don’t say you don’t have enough time, you have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein and others. Education and intelligence accomplish nothing without action. Our brightest future hinges on our […]
In my shoes if only you could walk this mileWith tragedy and disappointments I’m still proud Long, courageous strides along this highwaySun, beaming down radiantly across my face Today marks another day written in historyMy right to vote sets me free,Yet cold blaring stares surrounding meThreatening weapons of anxiety overtaking my ability to breathe False […]
Fall descends (here comes again A seasonal verse, please humor me); I-95, rugged spine Of this East Coast, Receives it indifferently, Like a tired wife-then-mother whose Glazed-over-eyes stare Blankly, at her dreams Eons in the rearview. Rhode Island kamikaze pilots— Pickup trucks of broken men— Are your Law and Order for the day. That much […]
Ms. Sylvia Ann Soares is a legend in RI with many accolades, including a certificate she received this year from the mayor for her hard work and dedication in the arts. She is an actor, poet and historical educator, and I recently spoke to her about some of the lessons she’s learned throughout her life. […]
Cafe S.O.U.L is an open mic night created by the incomparable Contessa Brown and Janne’t Brown, affectionately known as Momma Brown. I recently sat down with Contessa Brown to talk about Cafe S.O.U.L. and its importance in the community. Damont Combs (Motif): For those who don’t know, what is Cafe S.O.U.L.? Contessa Brown: Cafe S.O.U.L. […]
The cross-dressing prince knocked on the cottage door intent on finding the other foot of the splendid slipper it felt so good on his foot and showed off his pedicure ever so nicely he just had to have them both even if he had to beg for them She opened the door he fell to […]
Mixed Magic Theatre is a non-profit organization in Pawtucket with a mission to create more literate and arts-active communities. Mixed Magic often combines expressive artistic forms, such as poetry, acting, singing, dancing through plays and open mic. I recently spoke with Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and we delved into the importance of artistic expression, discussed what’s happening in today’s society […]