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On May 2nd, several girls from Inside Her Diary traveled to Greenwood for the Sunflower County Freedom Project's Open Mic event. We were invited to share our diary entries in front of other teens like us. When we arrived at Turnrow Books where the event was held, we noticed that kids were already seated and listening intently to the speaker. When the speaker was finished, a supportive wave of snaps from each person in the room had let the student poet know that what she said was heard and validated. It was our first time seeing something like this. We were elated to be in such a unique space like this, but also very nervous. It's not every day we get to experience stories being shared through poetry and it really inspired us.
Soon, Ms. Williams had asked us which entry we wanted to share. Jusmenda chose to talk about hair, Kalynn spoke on relationships, Ma'kyia opened up about the "G" word, and De'shana shed light on what it was like to live in Clarksdale. So as each girl went up to share their truth, I was very proud that we each had the courage to share what we wrote to our peers. Best believe it was so nerve-wracking! But when we heard the snaps, the "yass," and even the "amens," that let us know that we were supported and meant to do this work. It also showed us that we do have a powerful voice to influence our community. We can instill change when we speak up.
After the MC for the night called upon on the last speaker to showcase their poem or prose, we wrapped up the night with snacks and having conversations with other kids. We also took the time to look around the bookstore, which had a diversity of local and national books. It was amazing, and we hope that we could also have a bookstore in Clarksdale. There was artwork and ceramic pottery as well. We loved how the arts were celebrated in this town, and thought to ourselves that the youth of Clarksdale could really benefit from a place like this. One day, right?
We, Inside Her Diary girls are really proud for speaking at our first open mic event. It was a success! Keep supporting us in all that they do!
Soon, Ms. Williams had asked us which entry we wanted to share. Jusmenda chose to talk about hair, Kalynn spoke on relationships, Ma'kyia opened up about the "G" word, and De'shana shed light on what it was like to live in Clarksdale. So as each girl went up to share their truth, I was very proud that we each had the courage to share what we wrote to our peers. Best believe it was so nerve-wracking! But when we heard the snaps, the "yass," and even the "amens," that let us know that we were supported and meant to do this work. It also showed us that we do have a powerful voice to influence our community. We can instill change when we speak up.
After the MC for the night called upon on the last speaker to showcase their poem or prose, we wrapped up the night with snacks and having conversations with other kids. We also took the time to look around the bookstore, which had a diversity of local and national books. It was amazing, and we hope that we could also have a bookstore in Clarksdale. There was artwork and ceramic pottery as well. We loved how the arts were celebrated in this town, and thought to ourselves that the youth of Clarksdale could really benefit from a place like this. One day, right?
We, Inside Her Diary girls are really proud for speaking at our first open mic event. It was a success! Keep supporting us in all that they do!
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