Meet Victora Calhoun | Writer & Curator

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

Hi Victora, how does your business help the community?
The Social Impact that Hood Healing Poetry has on the world is in our name. We are a brand that embodies our mission statement as we truly are “Healing the Hood One Poem at a Time.” I curate events at The Bookstore Gallery for all creatives, but strategically targeting “underground,” urban creatives, to feel free to perform any art genre (poetry, comedy, rap, sing, etc.) My platform has been proclaimed by supporters as safe space and it is because each event is curated with pure intentions. Hood Healing Poetry is based on community, and we respect vulnerability and authenticity. I think we deserve to be heard and seen. Some of the best art comes from the hood and I’ve made it my job to showcase us. I feel obligated as a “hood creative” to not only share my own art but invite similar artists to join me on the stage at Hood Healing Poetry Events.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the host and curator of Hood Healing Poetry Events. My events are curated to provide a platform for myself and other artists to share their art too. I write and perform raw, confessional poetry. I write poems on subjects like police brutality, insecurities of black women, and the bright and dark sides of my healing journey. What sets me apart from other curators is I’ve personally molded Hood Healing Poetry into what it is; It wasn’t given to me. I worked really hard for it and its recognition. Hood Healing Poetry is a flower. One day I got hungry, and I planted a seed. I watered my seed until it blossomed into a real, respected community that people feel safe in. I want my community to feel understood and secure. We are leaning on each other and helping each other heal through art.

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.
My favorite spot in the city is The Bookstore Gallery. It’s a dab and tea bar near the Mercedes Benz Stadium. I host Hood Healing Poetry Events in this space and my favorite thing about them is the aesthetics. The art is beautiful and vibrant. The customer service is always remarkable. Parking is easy and usually free. Because they are so close to the stadium, they are in collaboration with a lot of the other restaurants and bars nearby so you can feel free to grab food/drinks and come to The Bookstore Gallery to enjoy and grab a dab. They also welcome other curators to host events and celebrations in their space. I recommend anybody to check them out because they have something for everyone to enjoy!

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 my entire being to my brilliant and handsome son, Zachary. He’s literally the reason for everything. He’s the reason I chose to heal. He’s the reason I smile. Motherhood changed me in ways I never imagined before and I have Zachary to thank. The most important lesson that I want him to remember is that he can be anything he wants to be in life, and he can always look to me for guidance and grace. And when he gets older and reads all the articles written about his mother and Hood Healing Poetry, I hope he is proud and inspired.

Next, I am shouting out to my amazing friends, Asia, Ken, Courtney, and Linton. I appreciate you all for so many reasons.

Asia, thank you for your genuine spirit and sound advice. You always have had my best interest since the beginning, and you support me more than anyone I know. You’re the definition of selfless. You’ve always taken me and my dreams seriously like they were your own! You can’t buy that kind of love. I’ll always cherish our friendship. Ken, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes and always showing up. You’re the voice of reason and I have a lot of respect for you and admire your expertise in digital art. I feel grateful to have you as part of Hood Healing Poetry’s journey and I am super excited about our future creative collaborations. Courtney, you’re that friend I always needed. I’m glad we found each other! We’ve always supported each other through dark times and pour into each other whenever we need it most. I think you’re one of a kind. Thanks for always being you and uplifting me. Linton, where do I begin? Since I’ve met you, you’ve been such a loyal friend to me. I can’t think of a time when you didn’t have my back. What I admire about you most is your resilience and drive to strive for greatness. I look at each of you like family and I am thankful for the love you all show time and time again.

Website: https://linktr.ee/hoodhealingpoetry

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

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hoodhealingpoetryllc

Image Credits
Kenneth Cohen @_camfuk3nny