An Open Letter to Spoken Word Artists, Poets, and Writers
Happy New Year 2017, Artists! If you are reading this, CONGRATULATIONS! You made it through 2016! That is something to celebrate and be darn proud of. Sadly, we lost some of the greats in the arts world in 2016. Some we knew on a personal and some we grew up with and connected to through their years of giving us life through their craft. They will be missed but never forgotten. Can I just say it… 2016 was a crappy year! (that’s my nice way of putting it!) And I’m so glad to see it gone! I’m welcoming 2017 with open arms filled with love and light! Who’s with me?!
This is going to be the year for the spoken word artists, poets, and writers. And the best year of creating with: COLLABORATION, COMPASSION, COMMUNITY — to develop CHANGE. Why? Because the average being wants to know ‘WHY?’ Won’t YOU – the artists, poets, writers – put it out there for us? Won’t you keep us aware?
Throughout this letter you’ll find quotes of some of NYC’s most compassionate artists/poets/writers who are taking action and delivering on doing their part to bring about awareness for social justice and social change in our communities. Now… let’s get into the purpose of this letter. Let’s talk about how change in the world depends on the spoken word artists, poets, and writers!
“There are still poets out there who insist that politics should have nothing to do with poetry. You complacent mass of asses.” Poet, Writer, Author, Rich Villar (http://www.literatiboricua.com)
Writers, Poets, Spoken Word Artists:
Look around you. See the struggles. Be aware of what is happening in our world. Recognize what YOU can do with your craft. Putting out awesome works for the people is a given. But to put out works that will inspire, educate, revolutionize, or free the people (mind, body, spirit)… that’s godly right there. Your gift to create and talent to make something bigger than yourself from your gift is a blessing. Treat it as such! And gift unto the people what is best for them — in appreciation for your gift.
USE YOUR WORDS to open minds to consciousness and to fight against hate, racism (all of the oppressive isms), injustice. Make your words a VOICE for those who are not being heard. The People need you! WRITE! DOCUMENT! PUBLISH! Write and Speak freedom, escape, justice and change into existence! O’, and LOVE. Put your heart into your writing/speaking and allow the people to feel love!
