Today we’d like to introduce you to Victora B. Calhoun.
Victora B., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Victora B. Calhoun, also known as Hood Phenomenon. I am a mother, poet, and the curator and host of Hood Healing Poetry Events. I am located at the Bookstore Gallery in Atlanta, GA. I plan, promote, and perform poetry alongside some of other brilliant creatives to showcase authentic, urban talent. Hood Healing Poetry was built from the ground that has blossomed into a beautiful and loyal community for myself and other extraordinary creatives’ voices to be heard.
I birthed my platform overnight; In 2021, I was invited on a platform to perform poetry and unfortunately, my name was skipped in the line-up. The disappointment fueled a fire in me to start my own platform. Within two weeks, I planned an event for my close friends to join me for a dinner in the living room of my friend’s house as I performed poetry for them. It was Valentine’s Day themed. Rose petals covered the floor and everyone wore red. Since then, I’ve collaborated with larger venues around Atlanta to connect and network with other creatives. My mission: Healing The Hood One Poem At A Time.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Easy? No. Fun? Yes! I’m very passionate about my poetry and it feels sooo good finally being in a place in my healing journey to be vulnerable enough to share my art with the world. I suffer from anxiety like many people in the world; Standing on a stage reciting raw, confessional poetry to friends and sometimes strangers is not something that I thought I’d ever do in my wildest dreams! After conquering the fear of judgment from my peers, I came to revelation that performing poetry makes me feel free; My soul feels lighter and my heart feels happier. Plus, I know that I am very talented despite the circumstances of coming from a broken home and growing up in the hood. I also know how talented other people who come from similar backgrounds are. The struggles we’ve endured gifted us with the talent to tell our story. I feel an obligation to my people to get our voices heard and our visions seen.
I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons as I’ve expanded my brand across Atlanta, collaborated with different venues, and perfected my craft as a host and performer for my events and other creatives’ events. The most important lesson that I’ve learned is to protect my reputation as a creative and professional; I don’t do business with people who are not community oriented. I show grace to my artists and respect their process as performers and I lead by example as a healing, black mother.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I curate Hood Healing Poetry Events bi-monthly on Sunday evenings at the Bookstore Gallery in Atlanta, GA. To guarantee a unique experience for my artists and supporters, I take my time with planning. I put a ton of thought into deciding on the theme and creating the flyers for the promotion of my artists and my events. I also send love and light by illustrating heartfelt poetry on stage for everyone who attends my events. As the creator of this platform, I keep my hands and my heart in my business as I do my own child because Hood Healing Poetry is my second baby. I know that I’ve birthed greatness.
Hood Healing Poetry showcases poets, comedians, dancers, and musicians at the Bookstore Gallery located at 461 Nelson St. SW Atlanta, GA near the Mercedes Benz Stadium. The Bookstore Gallery is a holistic hangout spot that allows artists like myself to bring their event visions to life. They are Atlanta’s best secret and provide an elevated experience like no other.
On March 5th, 2023, I celebrated my 2 year anniversary of being a thriving black-owned business owner and creator. On April 20th, the Bookstore Gallery booked me to host a rolling class and contest for their “4.20 Experience.” On May 7th, 2023, Hood Healing Poetry is celebrating Event #7, “Dear Mama,” in honor of Mother’s Day. My next event is set for July 16, 2023. Tickets will be available on Eventbrite. Outside of Hood Healing Poetry, you can catch me performing at open mic nights like The Circle, every Tuesday night at UniTea Cafe near the West End of Atlanta.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The essential qualities that I feel are most important to my success as a poet and performer is authenticity and vulnerability. As I said, I write confessional poetry. I write about hood politics like police brutality and personal accounts of trauma I’ve endured from being a young, liberated black woman. In order for me to reach my intended audience, I feel inclined to tell it all and tell it how it is; I’m known for keeping it hood and keeping it real. And I am a firm believer that you can’t keep it real if you don’t hold yourself accountable and that is my purpose for writing poetry; I want to heal in the eyes of my peers instead of behind closed doors because I know that my story is inspiring and my purpose is powerful.
Pricing:
- Early Bird $10
- Performer Admission $15
- General Admission $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/hoodhealingpoetry
- Instagram: @hoodhealingpoetryllc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hoodhealingpoetryllc
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hood-healing-poetry-vii-dear-mama-tickets-611150095387
