Uplifting Through Poetry | Something to Say (09-03-2024)
The latest episode of the “Something to Say” podcast, hosted by Mazi Mutafa and co-hosted by Patrick Washington, brought together influential voices in the spoken word and poetry community. Featuring Kenny Carroll, Donney Rose, and Emanuelee Bean, the episode offered a deep dive into the transformative power of poetry, the challenges faced by artists, and the significance of community and mentorship.
This episode celebrated poetry as a powerful tool for self-expression and societal reflection. From Kiara Ramirez’s evocative lines to Kenny Carroll’s insights, the podcast underscored how poetry amplifies marginalized voices. Mazi highlighted WBL’s ongoing efforts to create platforms for young poets to share their stories. The speakers emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting young poets. They discussed the challenges they face in organizing poetry slams and the crucial role of community support in overcoming these challenges and ensuring the success of these events.
Community involvement emerged as a cornerstone of success for young poets and poetry events. Bean, the Houston Poet Laureate and head coach of META4 HOUSTON, shared his journey from college theater to mentoring youth, emphasizing the impact of collective effort. Donney Rose, our WBL Academy Director, echoed this sentiment, discussing how community backing can break barriers in the arts.
The speakers agreed that mentorship and education are essential in nurturing young poets. Bean reflected on the value of teaching through hands-on experiences, while Donney Rose emphasized creativity as a tool for broader societal contributions.
This episode illuminated the challenges of securing funding and recognition for spoken word and poetry while celebrating its transformative and therapeutic impact. Through candid conversations, the podcast reaffirmed the importance of investing in platforms, mentorship, and community for the next generation of poets.
Something to Say is recorded live on Washington, DC’s Radio Station WPFW 89.3 and is produced by Words Beats & Life Inc.
