Expressing Identity Through Poetry - Something to Say (10-15-2024)
In a recent episode of the podcast “Something to Say”, young poets came together to share their creative journeys, cultural inspirations, and the transformative power of poetry. Through honest and thought-provoking discussions, these voices illuminated how poetry bridges cultural divides, serves as a platform for identity expression, and fosters deeper connections.
Tara Prakash reflected on poetry’s ability to unite people, saying, “You can really connect with a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds, and it’s kind of a shared language.” Similarly, Jordan explored the significance of authentic cultural narratives in combating appropriation. “People know very little about [our culture] because it’s not being written by Indian individuals,” she noted, stressing the importance of telling stories from within the community.
The poets also highlighted the need for creative spaces that uplift young voices. Host Mazi Mutafa passionately emphasized,
“Young people are not just the future, they’re the present, they’re the gift of right now.”
Kashvi Ramani, the 2023 Virginia State Youth Poet Laureate, added her perspective, sharing,
“I feel very rooted in my Indian culture. Not a lot of Indian women can say the same, especially in a world filled with internalized racism and microaggressions.”
For many, poetry is not only an artistic outlet but also a way to process experiences and address complex issues. Tara Prakash drew inspiration from her observations and familial stories, while Precious Foreman used her poetry to confront historical injustices, explaining, “The first line [of my poem] is talking about the expense of an enslaved person.”
The podcast also celebrated how poetry intersects with other artistic mediums. Kashvi Ramani shared her plans to combine poetry and film, along with details about her upcoming book launch. Co-host Patrick Washington emphasized the role of platforms like Something to Say, remarking, “We were able to deepen our knowledge of ourselves.”
This episode of Something to Say underscores the transformative power of poetry as a medium for cultural representation, personal growth, and meaningful dialogue.
Something to Say is recorded live on Washington, DC’s Radio Station WPFW 89.3 and is produced by Words Beats & Life Inc.
