Meet Ebony Payne-English

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Payne-English.

Ebony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I taught myself to read when I was four years old. All of my books were primarily Dr. Seuss. Since those were the only books I read, whenever I wrote things down I naturally assumed they were supposed to be in rhyme. When I was 10, Tupac Shakur gave me the courage to write out my demons. For lack of access to production, my words were forced to conform to the context in which they were drafted rather than to a musical composition. This is how poetry chose me… on purpose.

Performing taught me about courage. Writing emotionally charged poetry was initially a way for me to vent. When it came time to perform, I honestly wasn’t prepared for everything that came along with sharing such personal parts of myself with strangers. Performing at open mic events taught me to confront my vulnerabilities; it also taught me that I am not alone. I realized there were others that had been through the same things I was dealing with. It taught me to stop pretending to be made of stone, and embrace my humanity. ​​

​I am, without a doubt, an educator before anything else. My youth is my life’s work. It is the highest honor to guide creative hearts and inspire the great minds of this generation. My students call me Kuongoza, which is Kiswahili for a guide. I call my students Mwaza, which is Kiswahili for creative person. It’s that simple. I’ve been where they’re trying to go and I want to help them navigate their journey.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life has not always been kind to me but it has certainly been a beautiful journey. As an entertainer and educator whose primary focus is the foster community and incarcerated youth populous, I believe the trials I’ve encountered in life served their purpose by allowing me to relate to students and diverse audiences on multiple levels as it relates to struggle and triumph. I have beaten impossible odds. I still have some things to conquer and here I stand.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a poet, author, educator, and playwright. I specialize in the interpretation of the human experience. I am most known for interpreting the human experience as it relates to black women. I am most proud of my one-woman show, On Purpose, and the way in which it has encouraged as well as inspired those living with the unconscionable stigma of HIV. My story is what sets me apart from others. It’s what sets all of us apart. No one can tell your story but you. Others can only pass on their idea of your story.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My favorite childhood memory is winning first place at my first talent show when I was five years old.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ebonypayneenglish.com
• Instagram: @EbonyOshun
• Facebook: Ebony Payne-English
• Twitter: @EbonyOshun

Image Credit:
The main image of myself in gold was taken by Blu Franswa

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