Fe, like her sister, has begun to write more painful raw pieces. It does give me relief knowing that spoken word allows them to share their pain and be vulnerable.
I wise man I know likes to say:
When I share my joy, I multiply my happiness.
When I share my pain, I divide my sadness.
When I combine the two, I become whole.
- Will Richey
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Wanna hear a story of how I was able to get both of my daughters to love words, poetry, and writing? READ ON.
It all starts with Joaquin Zihuatanejo. I discovered him while watching Def Poetry Jam in 2011 (Season 5 Ep. 4) Mos Def introduced him and said he hailed from Dallas, Texas! How neat. His piece titled "This is a Suit" left me shook and gave me chills.
A little later I ran across a Sunday Edition of the Dallas Morning News. On the front page, there was a feature talking about some up and coming artists in Dallas. Joaquin was in there. After reading the article without paying (don't judge) for the paper I searched for him on Facebook. I found him and friended him.
I stalked him for a little while and noticed he was doing youth workshops for teenagers. I think this is right before the Dallas Youth Poets really became official.
I reached out to him and asked if I could bring the girls since they weren't teenagers but I felt it would be a great experience and I loved what they could learn from him.
We showed up late the first time because I have trouble reading times on events. True story. I was so angry with myself.
They were wrapping up the workshop when we walked in but he welcomed us and sat down with them. He took a few minutes to work on a couple of exercises. I was blown away by his kindness and he gained our love and respect.
We continued to go to the workshops and always did the work. They became an unofficial part of the team and they felt like they belonged. Joaquin mentored them and they loved every minute of it. He continues to be a major influence in their writing and performance and they hope to make him proud.
I am often asked how I was able to get both of them to love poetry and continue to write. I tell them that it was quite easy. I got them initiated into a gang with other kids (Dallas Youth Poets) that love words and will fight to tell their stories.
In the last few years, I felt that they needed 1 on 1 attention. So I reached out to Karleigh. They had watched her for several years and were in awe of her.
She became their coach and pushed them even further in the last year to new depths of writing. I can hear them on the calls and get emotional hearing their powerful voices. She has been such an inspiration and positive influence on their growth. They listen to her feedback and make changes as she recommends.
Now they have material to share with the world, but where can you a kid be welcomed & be allowed to jump on the mic?
Will Richey has always given them stage time at DaVerse Lounge. The culture and community which has been created at this give the kids so much comfort. Watching Will manage a room full of kids and making sure to maintain a loving atmosphere is magical.
Fe and Ana call DaVerse their home stage. It's like home court advantage. Thank you Will!
If Daverse is home court, then Oak Cliff Cultural Center is their home away from home. Brenda (AKA B Randall) has been another great human being who has believed in them and always welcomed th girls with open arms. Last week she gave them each 12 minutes to perform.
12 MINUTES!
And they even received compensation. Their words are starting to earn them money. With Karleigh's help, they were able to be ready, both in content and performance. Thank you B!
They have had help from many people in the last 7 years. Their writing is starting to open doors and opportunities. The fact that they are willing to do the work, receive the coaching, and step on a stage and be vulnerable with a. room full of strangers makes me a very happy proud father.