“Spokenword” poetry, an art form steeped in tradition and innovation, has woven its way through the annals of history, echoing the voices of griots, resonating in the streets of Harlem, and pulsating through the beats of rebellious hearts. From its origins in African oral tradition to its modern manifestations in the poetry scene of Providence, Rhode Island, spokenword has been a vehicle for cultural expression, social change, and personal liberation. In this exploration, we journey through the evolution of spokenword, tracing its path from the griots of Africa to the dynamic contributions of poets like Damont Combs, also known as Mr. Orange Live, whose vibrant presence illuminates stages and hearts alike.
THE GRIOTS CUSTODIANS OF ORAL TRADITION: The story of spokenword poetry begins with the griots of West Africa. Revered storytellers and oral historians passed down their ancestral history, culture, and wisdom through poetic verse and rhythmic cadence. For centuries, griots served as the guardians of oral tradition, weaving tales of triumph and tragedy, love, and loss, into a tapestry of words that connected generations and preserved the essence of their culture.
THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE A CULTURAL RESURGENCE: Fast forward to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing for African Americans. In the bustling streets of Harlem, poets like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay breathed new life into the art of spoken word, infusing their poetry with the rhythms of jazz, blues, and the vibrant energy of the city. Their words became a rallying cry for social justice, racial pride, and cultural identity, inspiring a generation of poets to find their voice and speak their truth.
THE BEAT GENERATION VOICES OF DISSENT: During the postwar era in the 1950s and 1960s, a new wave of poets emerged on the American literary scene. The Beat Generation, led by luminaries such as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti, rejected the materialism and conformity of mainstream society in favor of a more spontaneous, authentic form of expression. Through their raw, unfiltered verse and unconventional performance styles, Beat poets challenged the status quo, embraced personal freedom, and laid the groundwork for the countercultural revolution that would follow.
THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT POETRY AS PROTEST: Amid civil rights struggles during the 1960s and 1970s, the Black Arts Movement emerged as a powerful force representing social and political change. Poets like Askia Toure, Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, and Nikki Giovanni used spoken word poetry as a tool for liberation, empowerment, and resistance. Their words became weapons against racism, oppression, and injustice, igniting a cultural revolution that reverberated across the nation and inspired generations of poets to use their voices for change.
THE POETRY SCENE IN PROVIDENCE A HUB OF CREATIVITY: In the heart of New England, the city of Providence, Rhode Island, has become a thriving center of spokenword poetry and artistic expression. Here, poets like Damont Combs, known as Mr. Orange Live, have made their mark on the local poetry scene and beyond. A graduate with a degree in Computer Technology Service from Johnson and Wales University, Mr. Combs has released two acclaimed books of poetry: “My Poem… My Riddle” (Prysmatic Dreams Publishing, 2015) and “Damont Combs Presents a Touch of Orange” (Kingdom Enterprise LLC, 2016). His electrifying performances and dynamic hosting have earned him accolades, such as Poet of the Year (2018 Indie Author Legacy Award) and RI Mentor of the Year (2019), as well as recognition for his award-winning films in 2020.
MR. ORANGE LIVE A BEACON OF CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION: Mr. Orange Live’s contributions to the Providence poetry scene are as vibrant as his namesake hue. Through his poetry, hosting, and advocacy work he has inspired and empowered countless artists and audiences. His commitment to the arts, social justice, and community empowerment exemplifies the spirit of spokenword warriors everywhere, reminding us of the transformative power of spokenword poetry to provoke thought, spark conversation, and effect change.
CONTINUING THE LEGACY A CALL TO ACTION: As we reflect on the legacy of spokenword poetry, let us honor the warriors who have paved the way for generations of poets to come. Let’s celebrate the diversity, resilience, and creativity of spoken word artists worldwide. And let us carry forth the torch of spokenword poetry, using our voices to speak truth to power, amplify marginalized voices, and build a more just and equitable world for all. For in the words of Mr. Orange Live and the spokenword warriors who came before him, we find the inspiration and courage to continue the journey of self-expression and social change through the power of spokenword poetry. • Michael Warrior Bonds is an internationally respected poet, author, and dedicated community outreach coordinator from Boston, Massachusetts.