Poets Who Perform —-
By Marjorie J. Hurst—-
Think of it: not one, not two but three Maya Angelou’s right here in our midst. Lynnette, Latoya and Crystal, three of Springfield’s most talented poets and spoken word artists. They are called, “The Three Divas,” an appropriate moniker for three gifted young women who write from the depths of their souls, sharing their voices with us in poetry and spoken word. Three friends who not only support each other but promote each other’s works every chance they get. I had an opportunity to sit down with them and came away utterly inspired.
The Three Divas
Lynnette: I’ve known Lynnette since she was a child in Jack & Jill, participating in well-planned, adult-led activities with my sons. Somehow she grew up into an accomplished, talented young woman when I wasn’t looking. I’ll never forget the first time I went to see her perform at an open mic event about 6 or 7 years ago that was organized by Crystal and held at the Springfield Library. Witnessing her poise, listening to the melodic rhythm of her words and watching as she mesmerized the entire audience with her delivery, drawing us deeper and deeper into her personal orbit had my chest swelling with pride―as if I was her very own mother instead of my good friend, Willette. That experience was the beginning of me bursting with pride and proudly claiming her as my own whenever I attend one of her performances.
Latoya: I met Latoya through my son Justin. They were high school classmates and competed relentlessly in Ms. Hoffman’s (now Mrs. Sullivan) English class at Central High School, challenging each other as to who was the better writer (I know better than to comment!). I later got to really know and appreciate Latoya’s awesome talent when she became one of our two regular “Pen & Ink” writers. Her ability to express the most complex, difficult and sensitive topics in such fluid and moving verses leaves me in distinct admiration month after month. Her words at times can be raw and biting but the images they call forth are always truthful and honest and often reveal a surprising vulnerability. Her spoken word performances are bold and audacious, conveying an enormous talent. I must admit that when she entrusted me with editing her first book and acknowledged me in it, I was genuinely overwhelmed.
Crystal: Crystal is a more recent acquaintance. I first noticed her at some of the open mic performances I attended where she was encouraging others not grabbing the limelight for herself. I later found out that that’s what she does. Many new spoken word artists in the area have found their voices with her help. Her positive, self-assured demeanor makes her an easy person to like. She immediately puts you at ease and you almost forget you’re in the presence of someone with such immense creative ability. It’s no wonder that she is the glue that cements the friendship of the three divas, always willing to give her time and talent to showcase the talents of others. Her writing cuts across genres and reflects her ability, honed into an exquisite work of art, to express the mundane with sublime imagery.
I know that Maya would be as proud as I am of these three poetic divas. So now let me introduce them to you in their own words:
Lynette
Lynnette’s first love is poetry. She has made a name for herself as a spoken word artist and has had the opportunity to travel across the country performing her own pieces. Her gentle style and comedic delivery has allowed even admitted non-fans of poetry to be drawn in by her words. Lynnette visits the subjects of love, injustice, motherhood and friendships in her writing. She has competed in poetry slams, winning a place on the 2014 Connecticut Slam Team, Verbal Slap. She will be competing in the Woman of the World Poetry Slam in Brooklyn, in March of this year. She visits universities and elementary schools leading workshops on poetry and journaling, titled The Power of Words. Lynette writes and recites poems for special occasions: weddings, funerals, birthday celebrations, retirements and any other social gathering. She published her first collection of poetry titled “I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You” in February 2014. Collections 3 and 4, “Only Love Can Do That” and “Purple” were released in the fall and winter of 2015.
Latoya
Brenda’s Child is the self-proclaimed diva on a mission to inspire and save lives. Born Latoya Bosworth, she dubbed herself Brenda’s Child at the age of 21, in honor of her late mother Brenda Kay Swinton. With a little bit of brass, plenty of bold, and the right amount of vulnerability, she has performed as a spoken word artist all over, from her hometown of Springfield, MA to San Diego, CA. In 2007, she published her first poetry collection. Since then she has published seven books, including two novellas and a memoir. In 2012, she challenged herself by collaborating with two fellow artists to help write, direct, and act in the stage play, “The Thick Chronicles…A Body Image Story.” With a special education teacher certification, a B.A. in Sociology, and an M.S. in Nonprofit and Philanthropy, this PhD candidate has also shared her parenting and self-esteem articles on Blackandmarriedwithkids.com and ForHarriet.com and Brenda’s Child continuously spreads her message of H.E.R.S – health, empowerment, resiliency, and self-worth in workshops, as a keynote speaker, in print and on stage.
Crystal
Crystal Senter-Brown was six years old when she discovered poetry in a Tennessee church basement. Since then she has been featured in Essence and Redbook and she has won numerous awards for her books and community service. Crystal is the author of six books: Gabby Gives Back (2016), But Now I See (2014), But you have such a pretty face (2013), Doubledutch (2006), and The Rhythm in Blue (2012). She holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy and is an adjunct professor at Bay Path University. She is married to the love of her life (Corey) and they are the proud parents of son Adonte (an award-winning music producer and engineer) and their furry dog-daughter Venus.
Part II to be continued in April, National Poetry Month
