A few weeks ago, I experienced an unexpected renewal. I was once again reminded of how precious words can be, when used creatively. It happened on March 1st at Washington Irving High School in New York city. A close friend of mine invited me to see the Urban Word poetry slam finale. At the time, I was unaware of its significance.
Before attending the show, I of course did some background research. Urban Word is a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting young souls through spoken word. I discovered that I was being given a chance to look into the lives of teenagers from across New York City. All five boroughs were represented, as well as Long Island or "Strong Island" as DJ KaySlay the MC of the event referred to it. Afrika Bambaataa, the founder of the Zulu Nation, was in attendance and received an award for his groundbreaking work in and for Hip Hop.
On the night of the finale, we packed into Washington Irving with excitement in our hearts and minds to absorb the power of rhyme. By some random act of a power unknown, I was seated with Russell Simmons. Yes, Russell Simmons the hip hop pioneer and spoken word innovator. Why was he at an event such as this? Because he sponsored it of course. It was but the young version of def jam poetry and HBO was in clear presence documenting it.
A little past 8, the finale began and seemed to never end. It wasn't seemingly endless because the performances lacked entertaining value. On the contrary, it was seemingly endless because the poetry was so enthralling. Plain and simple, I didn't want the young poets to stop speaking. I wanted to hear more about this struggle we have come to love as life. I wanted to hear more vivid descriptions of sexual adventure and heart-wrenching tales of love gone wrong. I have always known words to be the most powerful asset available to any living creature, but I have never known words spoken by young minds to hit me so deeply. In a time in which technology has almost ruined the art of spoken conversation, this is quite outstanding.
After my Urban Word experience, I ask you to do me one favor: use your spoken word. Avoid our technological ways of avoiding direct conversations and speak freely. Use your words and you will have the power to change more than you can see.
Trust my words.
Jonna
2 comments:
Wow that was creepy. I was just thinking of using audio on my site and here you go into MY hometown talking about the spoken word. Cool beans :-)
But yes ... I too am a son of the City That Never Sleeps. Those are my New Yorker neighbors, my urban peeps. The urban word; the beating pulse of the inner city. We live the lives that other people pity. But don't get us wrong, our culture is rich, our spirits are strong. Whatever you get from this here diddie, know that we New Yorkers never surrender, ya dig me?
So often our youth/teens get a bad rap for their culture and music. What I have found is that they might in fact be one of the most talented generations on the face of the earth. They have just chosen to let it show in some very different and often innovative ways.
So you hung out with Russell Simmons, I bet that was cool. I am not a big proponent of Hip-Hop, but I think as a business man, he is world-class.
Keep in touch...
Johnny
www.collegetidbits.com
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