Meet Dasan Ahanu: Artist and Cultural Organizer

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

Hi Dasan, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Raleigh, NC. I was born in a working class family. Being Black and from the south has had a huge impact on me. I think about the footsteps I walk in and everything they endured to build community, maintain families, and overcome barriers. I try to move with that same will and determination.

I love being from the south. I have learned so much about storytelling, creativity, and style from the south. From sermons in pulpits to stories told on porches or at barbershops, there is just something special about the way words are used down this way. There is a flair to it, a level of intention and purpose.

I also learned work ethic and character from my family and other folks down here. Folks who stand on what they say, do what they need to, and hold strong to their faith.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a southern writer and performing artist who uses storytelling as a means of deepening our understanding and awareness of what’s happening around us. I am a multi-disciplinary maker who crafts writings for page, stage, audio and video recordings.

It is important to me to not just tell stories, but to tell southern stories. It’s important for me to tell Black southern stories. I also create to reflect life. To bring to the forefront the struggles, dreams, and concerns that we all have. I want to make sure that we are not narrowed by society. To make sure we are not defined by ideologies. Instead we are seen for our lived experiences.

Telling theses stories led me to spoken word and poetry slam. It took across the country to perform. I have shared these stories on national radio and TV. Having a platform to present my work and connect with different audiences have helped me grow so much as a writer.

I am dedicated to the art, the craft, and the tradition. I look too give back because of everything the arts has given to me. I also look to use my talents to create an awareness and spark a necessary dialogue. There is a beauty, a resilience, a joy, a humanity that I know very well. I feel that is is necessary that others know about it also.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill, NC make up what is called the Triangle Area. Each city is distinct in its character and identity. Durham is a city full of culture. Raleigh is a city that is built for professionals and families. Chapel Hill is a college town with an artistic flavor. Each offer a variety of experiences. I was born and raised in Raleigh, but Durham has my heart. There is so much to engage with in Durham. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I carry Bethola Carpenter and Doris Ford with me. My angels who did so much to make sure their grandbaby was raised right. I thank my mother, Margaret Massenburg. I thank the folks who saw promise in me and took time to help encourage me. I thank the community who continues to support me. I thank the artists, organizers, community leaders, and educators who have shared a belief in the possibilities and have been open to collaboration.

Website: dasanahanu.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dasanahanu

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dasanahanu

Twitter: twitter.com/dasanahanu

Facebook: facebook.com/itisdasanahanu

Youtube: youtube.com/dasanahanu

Image Credits
Stan Chambers, Truitt O’Neal, SUSONC, BnB Festival, SP Endeavors, Tetuan Moffett