Meet Soul Scribe | Poet, Feminist, Activist and Event Host

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

Hi Soul, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My poetry socially impacts the world because I write and deliver in a way that pushes the listener to think beyond what they may have been able to prior to hearing my words. My writing is raw, honest and transparent, allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. As an artists, I understand that I have a responsibility to address social issues dealing with subject matters such as police brutality, racism, poverty, economic oppression, and social inequality.

Nina Simone once said in an interview, “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times.” I find it difficult to not reflect social issues within my poetry. While I write on so many things, I understand my duty as an artist with a captured audience. Writers typically feel deeper than most people in society. It’s pretty obvious if you take a look around and you see how art is shared and how it reaches people differently. With that knowledge, you have the power to make a difference beyond yourself and change the world.

I’ve been blessed to have people tell me how much they appreciate my poetry and how much it touched them. I realize that I can make an impact through the power of words. After all, words are used to influence others and incite people into action. When you think of great civil rights leaders, you remember their words and the delivery they gave when making speeches. Isn’t that poetry? Great leaders like Malcolm X, Chairman Fred Hampton, Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely Carmichael had one thing in common…their ability to connect with people through words then followed by action.

Being able to powerfully communicate my thoughts provides me with an opportunity to create change within someone. I don’t just speak words, but I also support organizations that help to address social issues primarily in the black community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d have to say that my poetry sets me apart from others because I write a lot about my own personal experiences. My vulnerability to share deep and personal experiences often allows me to connect with the audience authentically. While I may not be a lyricist, I deliver in a way that demands you to listen. Thankfully, I also have a very powerful and unique voice so that when I first speak, I tend to have the attention of an audience. Another cool factor about me as an artist is that I’m pretty pleasant and kind to people I come across on the art scene, not just other poets, but fans of my work as well. Kindness is timeless and takes you far professionally and personally.

I’m most proud of the spoken word albums I’ve created, the events I’ve hosted and the impressive performance resume I’ve grown over the years. The experiences were all unique and provided me with different perspectives as a performance poet. Some of the moments I’m most proud of are using my voice for The King Center, The United Negro College Fund and The National Association for Colored People Youth Division videos. Sharing my poetry with students at colleges and high schools are also very proud moments for me because I understand the ability to incite something beautiful and positive within them while at a young age.

My life journey to today wasn’t easy at all. In fact, I’ve thought about quitting a number of times. I have had some struggles in my professional career and my personal life. As an artist, I often feel like an outcast, but this is something I am learning to embrace as I think differently from most people in the world. My views, opinions and ability to cleverly and creatively express them in a unique way can cause others to feel inadequate or intimidated by my energy. Finding a balance with my profession in the corporate world and art has also been a learning process. And then there is my love life. Man men are impressed by the presence of a powerful woman who can command a room. Unfortunately, a woman of this nature can be very intimidating simply by being who she is. It takes a strong, powerful and successful man who isn’t insecure and knows his power to be with a woman like me. I’ve realized that simply by loving myself I learn boundaries, time management and better decision-making skills. You naturally want to do what is best for you when you learn how to truly love yourself. Thus, all obstacles become easier to navigate.

I’ve learned along the way to be true to yourself about who you are and what you desire. I’ve learned that not all opportunities are always opportunities for me because I think about how it directly connects to my purpose and my goals. Another important lesson I’ve learned is that you must learn to create your own opportunities. Sitting back and waiting for a phone call or expecting others to put you on is a big mistake. Knowing your worth prevents people from using you and allows you to feel good about yourself at the end of the day. You can apply that anywhere you want to in life.

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.
A week long trip in Atlanta definitely requires a visit to Little 5 Points to Moods Music to pick up some new vinyl records or great finds. I’d want them to experience food from Tassili’s Raw Vegan food in Southwest Atlanta and Noni’s on Edgewood for drinks. We’d definitely have to hit up an open mic at Urban Grind, Kat’s Cafe or Apache Cafe. A stop by Wilbourn Sisters Design in Midtown to find some of the most creative and unique clothing would also be on the itinerary. For brunch on Saturday, we’d have to hit up my favorite spots like Murphy’s or Le Petit Marche. To party, I would say stop by MJQ Concourse, which looks like a place you’d take your car for an emissions test, but pleasantly turns into an underground adventure at one of the coolest and nicest clubs in Atlanta with some of the best DJs. As a poet, of course I think poets are some of the most exciting people, as well as other artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the most influential people in my story as an artist, mother and activist is Poet & Activist, Urban Light. I’ve known her for many years and first heard her perform at a local open mic. She is like my big sister in poetry if that is a thing…I guess it is now. The moment I first heard a word drop from her mouth, I was captivated by her presence and her power. I have learned so much from her as a woman first, mother and artist. Urban Light always encourages me and speaks light and life into my soul. Whenever we talk, I feel so grateful to know her and remember how incredibly dope I am as well (because she will remind you).

Last, but far from least, is my grandmother, Victoria Whitehurst. I am so grateful for the role she played in my life. My mother dropped me and my siblings off at her house and did not come back for us. My grandmother worked hard to provide for us and always showed me so much love. She is one of the strongest and loving people in my life. I watched my grandmother go to work and come home and go to her beauty shop on the back of our house and work on her client’s hair. I tell you I don’t know where my life would be if she did not allow us to stay with her, My grandmother sacrificed so much for her family and I believe that is why I am so strong after all I’ve been through in life. You don’t get to quit when things get hard. You have to work hard to get thing things you want and need.

Website: www.soulscribethepoet.com

Instagram: @soulscribethepoet

Twitter: @SoulScribes

Facebook: Soul Scribe The Poet

Youtube: @SoulScribeThePoet

Other: Email: SoulScribeThePoet@icloud.com

Image Credits
Dream Multimedia Group Studios should receive image credit for the very dark image of me with the microphone. It almost appears to be a silhouette.