Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Davis
Hi Theresa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a child of very successful creatives. My Mother is Alice Lovelace and my Father is Charles “Jikki” Riley. They are co-founders of the ArtsXchange where I am now the Literary Director. Being the child of trailblazers, I really tried to not be a poet. The ArtsXchange, formerly The Neighborhood Arts Center was such a part of my life and my parents shoes were so big, I did not think I could fill them. My Dad passed in 2003, his final words to me were, “Stop trying to disappear, because I can see you.”
After a massive stroke, I as the oldest, with my family made the division to take him off life support. I decided then that I would be visible. I started sharing my work at multiple open mics and found my home at Java Monkey Speaks. There I was introduced to slam poetry. I embraced the idea and in 2011 became the Women of The Wold Poetry Slam Champion. When I showed up for the competition, I was not registered but wait-listed. Hours before the competition, I was allowed in the competition because a poet’s plane was rerouted due to snow storms. I went from not being in the competition to winning, the last poem I performed was the poem I’d finally written about my Dad and me being seen. I was affirming in ways I can’t explain without sobbing. Everything is and was great.
Alright, 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?
It has been an interesting road. The struggle for me now, is figuring but how to provide spaces for folk to create, make art and have actual conversations. She their stories and experiences to further the conversations that need to be had in this moment in history to prove they are here and fighting for what is owed and deserved by the American public. Most of our roads have not been smooth and only if we unite as a community will we smooth some of the bumps out not all, but some.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a community builder. I create programs designed to foster conversations and interactions. I am proud of he work I have done and want the community to interact with, because they want to, before it is a need. Literacy, creativity, storytelling are my arsenal, and these are things I think are needed to keep us tethered for the next few years.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in opportunities, sometimes they knock and sometimes they fling doors wide. I step in, ready.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artisttheresadavis.com
- Instagram: @shepiratepoet
- Facebook: Theresa Davis
- Youtube: Theresa Davis
Image Credits
Erica ChambERS photogaphy, KMOMENTS Photography,
