Meet Ryan Jones of Stone Mountain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Jones.

Hi Ryan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born, raised, and have lived in the Metro Atlanta area most of my life, only leaving to attend college in Macon, GA from 2011 – 2016. While at college, I learned to write poetry and perform spoken word, and became one of the folks known for writing and performing poetry on campus. When I moved back to the Atlanta area, I decided to get involved with the local spoken word scene by performing at local open mics like the ones at Urban Grind, Red Light Cafe and Java Monkey. One thing led to another, and, eventually, I was competing in poetry slams (both individually and on slam teams), going on a poetry tour with one of my best friends, and winning or placing in poetry competitions both locally and nationally. Things changed some during the pandemic. I shifted my focus back to the academic, choosing to go back to school for both a Master’s of Public Administration and Law Degree. Post-pandemic and post-graduation, I started partnering with local nonprofit organizations to advocate for environmental justice principles and initiatives through arts and cultural programming. As a poet, lawyer, and engineer, I’ve tried to continue to show up for each of the different parts of myself. So, I’ve started an organization, myself, “Black Empowerment for Environmental Sustainability (BEES),” dedicated to creating more arts, social, and cultural programming for the environment. I was also chosen to participate in the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab at the Alliance Theater, where I am working with a team of collaborators to develop a play that I wrote named, “in spite of years of silence,” that communicates the journey of three people, navigating their relationships with their parents and parenthood through poetry, dance, and music.

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?
It has not been a smooth road. whatsoever. There have been plenty of challenges, the most pertinent of which being the pandemic. So much of performance art requires an audience, and I didn’t adjust to shift from in-person to digital spaces that the pandemic ushered in. I was happy that shows and art was becoming more accessible due to the shift to digital spaces, but I didn’t know how to fully take advantage of that shift. That’s something that I’m still navigating right now, as entire communities have shifted to being primarily online. I’ve had to change my approach a few times.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do a lot, but I think spoken word and poetry will always be central to the way that I interact with the world. In my opinion, my poetry stands out because it’s energetic, a little weird and nerdy, while being relatable at the same time. I think every poet has their own unique approach to poetry that is informed by their own personal experience, but I try my best to speak to common experiences or feelings (typically surrounding social and environmental injustice) that moves people to think and act. I think I have plenty to be proud of in what I’ve accomplished with my work. In 2018, I became a Cave Canem Fellow, and was ranked 13th in the United States for spoken word. In early 2019, I had the opportunity to perform at TEDxAtlanta, which was an incredible experience. Over the years, I’ve developed relationships with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU) and had the pleasure of performing at their local membership meetings. I’ve even flown to colleges in a variety of states and performed sets of my poetry for college students. This year, I’m most proud of my play, “in spite of years of silence,” and my participation in the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab. It’s been a very enriching experience so far. All-in-all, it’s been a very fun ride, and I’m very grateful to have experienced any of it. Sometimes it still blows my mind that I’ve done all that I’ve done, and that people have continued to support my art.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a little stand-offish. I would spend a lot of my time hanging out with my small group of friends, and watching anime and playing video games in my room. During that time, I thought I was a rapper instead of a poet. So, I’d also spend a lot time writing raps that I wouldn’t share with anyone. I have always considered myself an extrovert; however, growing up, I don’t know that anyone else would have considered me one. It wasn’t until I graduated and went to college that I took the opportunity to really break free from my shell, since no one knew me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gohomeryan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gohomeryan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gohomeryan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoHomeRyan
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKwCbLkuBMA&t=1s

Image Credits
Music Stand photo credit: Omotola Ajibade

Silhouette photo credit: Lee Chapman