10/13/2024
Wild Seed Slam
Last night was a reemergence of something I started in Greensboro. At the time, I was very stressed. And wasn’t having any fun. And felt like I couldn’t sustain it. The team I did have, I felt I was failing them. And couldn’t deliver on the vision I had set. Sometimes I make falling apart look pretty but internally, I was wrecked. I pivoted as I do and took the time to build the Workshop Series for the slam. This was a necessary redirection and has been amazing (be on the lookout for it to return next month! 11/16)
Community is really important. And building it is vital. When I moved back to Fayetteville, I knew slam would be something I wanted to revisit. I met up with Dre Reco Sansbury Jr. and Isaiah Ellsberry (I couldn’t think of anyone else more fitting than these two) and they told me yes in the same meeting. After their yes, we hit the ground running. We divvied up tasks and met bi-weekly to discuss and implement the things. We naturally found our footing and rhythm and are the cornerstone of it is radical honesty, laughter, and most importantly, God.
Our last meeting, we actually broke bread together. Usually I didn’t eat with them lol. (I’m weird like that). And in that last meeting, I knew we solidified a true partnership. Andre and Isaiah, I’m incredibly grateful to have you part of this work. It’s only up and full of blessings from here.
To the slammers: Eric Thompson Leskisha Sns Sandidge Ta'Mia King Jada Bryan Keith Edward Sowell Letitia Brown Briana Taylor . Nick Courmon
Every single one of you have my deepest thank yous. Your professionalism, your stage presence, and your stories shared, did what it needed to do- inspire, entertain, and make the world a bit better. And each of you looked GOODT. THAT ARTIST GLOW IS SOMETHING SERIOUS. I couldn’t fangirl how I wanted but please know, I am in serious awe of you all. Thank you.
To our calibration poet: Kay Lamb thank you for opening up the slam. For your beautiful poem. For how you show up. I know what it took to be in the space and I’m so grateful you came through. Thank you.
To the feature: Ayanna Yann Gay I’m humbled to have gotten your yes. And I’m so happy that you came in and started the night with such powerful storytelling. You left an impression and resounding reminder about what a blessing it is to black, woman, and God fearing. I am privileged to have been in the building.
To our judges: consistency if I ain’t never seen it. From top to bottom. And moved with efficiency. Thank you for making my job easy and for making sure I didn’t have to tackle nobody behind you lol. Your professionalism and appreciation for the arts is welcomed anytime!
To the audience: thank you. Your participation. Your eagerness. Your love for the arts is what keeps this thing going. I was overwhelmed by the support. And I hope to see you again next month! (11/9)
To our sensational painter: Tyamica Mabry thank you. You are such a staple in my life. Not because of what you do, because of who you are. You coming to this and painting holds a special place in my heart. Thank you.
To the videographer: Thank you for capturing such a special moment.
To the women who came in to help with holding down the entrance, pouring out of the beverages, thank you.
To Miss Michelle for being our security, thank you. She literally helped us clean up the space. She helped us set it up. And I’m reminded yet again about the necessity of a black woman.
Congratulations to our last four poets, all women. (If you know the history of Wild Seed, you know why this is of importance).
More announcements to come. More pictures to reveal.
