Meet Daya Brown | Poet. Creator. Transformer. Co-Founder of Scholar Social

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daya Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daya, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
A legacy is not just something you leave for another. Legacy is the cultivation of thought, gift, and power that all coincide with the execution of a movement that all will soon follow. When I think of the legacy that I will one day leave to the hands of many, I believe that it will be a form of euphoria, leaving their hearts, minds, and souls wanting more after reading or listening to my words. As well, even watching my words and visions come to life on a screen. To those who decide to listen, I hope this feeling will leave my audience to force their dreams into becoming a reality. I know that might seem cliche, but what many neglects is that time is our worst enemy. We have to take these small moments and turn them into moments that can never be forgotten. I want people to remember not just me, but the many women who stand beside me. The following quote is seen on the trailer of King Richard,“The most dangerous creature on the whole earth is a woman who knows how to think” To continue, I understand the power of words, visions, and execution. As well, creating masterpieces that marry thought and creativity. Words, vision, execution, and creativity can hold the world as its temple. I hope that one day my works will inspire little girls and boys to change the narrative and find their voice. That is the best way I can ever leave my mark on this generation and others to come.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art reminds me of a delicate flower. When I think of my poetry and other writings, I believe they become the most beautiful masterpieces when I am most vulnerable. I started writing poetry in the sixth grade when my reading teacher introduced me to the beautiful writings of Maya Angelou. I was astonished that her words left me feeling mesmerized. That same day, after getting home from school, I ran to my room and started writing in a random journal until I couldn’t write anymore. I began to learn from Toni Morrison, Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin to understand the true meanings behind their works. In my earlier teenage years, my works became about healing once my one home became two and my life started to move in a suitcase. Many neglects what divorce can do to a child. At that very moment, the pain became my greatest inspiration as I was living in a world that was once whole in my eyes, then started to crumble into pieces. For me, maturity arose at a very young age due to life-changing situations, and the world then became my greatest teacher. As a writer, you have to realize that once you share what you wrote on a paper to the world, it no longer is just about yourself this becomes about the healing of the world. My writings tend to make my readers feel an array of emotions because I hit from many angles that are cohesive with one another. These different perspectives take my audience on their rollercoasters. In the next coming months, my poetry will soon become visual as I share my love for film and creation. I would have to say the journey of getting where I am today has not been consistent with contentment and flowers. What many fail to realize, to get to this state of success, I have fought with spiteful sinners, my heart has been broken, self-love has chattered, dreams felt too far out of reach, and sleep no longer became an option. However, I would do it all over again because my success is not just about me, it became a domino effect. Particularly with starting The Scholar Social, a podcast and organization where we bridge the social and intellectual into one with my marvelous colleagues. We built this space so that there can be a cultivation of voices, talents, and prosperity not only for teenagers like ourselves, but for everyone to be presented with an opportunity that was never given to them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite place in the city would have to be the one and only Ponce City Market. This is a place where you can enjoy the wonderful views of the great city of Atlanta and indulge in wonderful foods. One of my favorite restaurants in Ponce is Bellina Alimentari, where you can enjoy a gourmet Italian meal. My favorite dish would have to be the G.A. Shrimp, it is truly a must have. After your meal, you can pick up a beautiful bouquet of flowers at JJ’s Flower Shop. Ponce City Market connects to the Atlanta BeltLine which is perfect for a Sunday evening stroll in the city.


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this piece to my village. I thank you to those who have taken me into their homes and neutered me with knowledge and happiness. I thank my mother, who supports every step I take and refuses to let me walk alone. I thank my father, who taught me the importance of words and let me take any book off of his bookshelf. I thank my little brother for his laughter and his expertise in questioning. I thank my nana for teaching me the importance of love and care.

Instagram: @thedayabrown

Twitter: @thedayabrown

Image Credits
@godasgoldenx