#patriciasmith

Vancouver author Chelene Knight talks to AW’s Debbie Bateman about her new novel. DB: Your novel, Junie, takes us inside of the lives of women in the Black community of Hogan’s Alley in 1930s Vancouver. The sense of interdependence within their community and the inner strength of the women stand in sharp contrast to the racist elements in the society that would push them aside. You mentioned in…

Patricia Smith is a poet, writer, spoken word performer and award winning author. Her career rebounded after she was surrounded in controversy when it was revealed that she falsified information in her column. After her career in journalism she spun that into a successful venture in the world of poetry. She has won multiple awards for her volumes of poetry. She was awarded the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize from the Academy American Poets and the Phillis Wheatley Award in Poetry.  Her book, “Blood Dazzler”, about Hurricane Katrina received national acclaim. She is known for her spoken word performances and readings, which people praise for her story telling abilities and bringing emotion and passion to life. She has won Poetry Slam numerous times and was featured on Poetry Def Jam.

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Hip Hop Ghazal

“Gotta love us girls, just struttin’ down Manhattan streets killing the menfolk with a dose of that stinging view. Hips.”

This poem embraces the empowerment of women and their bodies. She talks about the persuasion a women’s body can have on a man, but doesn’t strictly focus on that, she looks past that point of her life and into something bigger. Smith says, “minds are lost at the mere sight of ringing true hips”. This quote touches upon the praising of women, people cant resist the urge to look at them as they walk by. Smith at the end of the poem keeps herself up after having troubles dealing with age, she realizes that even though her hips which once symbolized power have diminished in a sense that she should move forward and thank God. She has discovered a newfound power within herself without the reliance of personal looks.

I was interested in Patricia Smith because she touches on many key elements and issues within the African American community. Her reading on Def Poetry Jam really stood out to me, two of my favorite performers Dave Chappelle and Kanye West were both featured on the show, my family and I watched countless episodes. She is very accomplished and writes about topics I find enjoyable. Her collection of poems about Hurricane Katrina spoke volumes to me because it detailed the struggles that many people faced and the heartbreak encountered.