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

Hi HomeGrown, what’s your definition for success?
Creation & further circulation of works in line with our original mission statement, which apart from being socially relevant, and immediately relatable. Feeding into a cycle of paying the artist(s) who contribute to this catalogue, and there by paying into the charities, and like organizations they may support. Allowing for the streamlining of a global economy, to in turn fund community growth through the power of words indefinitely. Outside of that; to continue connecting poets together, promoting online open mics, and then supporting artist/organizations through support of their work. Pass it on, ya? 🙂

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
HomeGrown Poetry still primarily films event videos for poetry open mics and showcases. Filming of poetry productions and promotional videos that we direct and edit ourselves as well. Atlanta-based, and southeastern spoken word artists are still our primary focus. The artists here in Atlanta (and other cities around the Southeast) are evolving constantly, the influx of thinkers coming here as well, believing that Atlanta is a place to thrive, is increasing as well! HGP looks forward to being able to document it!

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?
Cassandra Ingram ( and 5 different Open Mic host) of Urban Grind Coffee Shop (West Midtown), Art Amok Red Light Café (Amsterdam Ave) (Open Mic) ran by Karen Garrabrant, Theresa Davis, Christina Schmitt, Shay Alexi, Carlos Barboza, Nate Mask) and Java Monkey Speaks at Java Monkey Coffee Shop (Open Mic); Thanks to Kodac Harrison & Theresa Davis there! (8pm every Thrusday) / 1st Tuesday @ 8 / every Sunday @ 8) Respectively! Look up the Facebook pages to get appropriate zoom links etc. 🙂 These shout outs by proxy also give thanks to; The Owners of said establishments, the Humans that ran & made them cozy, who came to share work, or who came to be. Our current library, is now a time capsule. The feeling of building a platform like HGP with ppl you love, in communities like the 3 mention above, and the countless other communities that feed into such hubs that spring up is a dreamlike experience. The amount of love/support we’ve received (and continue to) from the overall the Atlanta community has given us global love of the same kind!

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATKurAsYTABBDy_VlqlRkw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownpoetry

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/homegrownpoetry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homegrownpoetry

Other: HomeGrown Poetry shirts and other small merch for sale, if you contact us via our Facebook page. 🙂

Image Credits
Rondald James* On Behalf of Zpbmlal Aaron Davis

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.