Today we’d like to introduce you to Renita Walls.
Hi Renita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Atlanta in 2002 from Baltimore, MD when I was 22 years old. I moved to get a fresh start and to figure out who I wanted to be in the world. I started writing spoken word poetry prior to moving but had never performed in Baltimore for fear of being vulnerable. Once I moved I realized that no one knew me and I could be who ever I wanted to be even a spoken word poet. I began attending any open mic I could find and performing anywhere someone would let me. Atlanta has an amazing artist community and I felt that I was really mentored in developing my craft. After a year or so of performing I began doing slam poetry competitions. I won my fair share and through that experience got to travel around the country doing poetry. I also began doing writing workshops for children. A dear friend asked me to host a youth poetry slam at her school and after she passed away unexpectedly in 2012 I have continued to host that slam at her old school in her honor. Several years ago I took my poetry in a different direction and began storytelling. I began performing and winning story slams with the Moth, which is a national storytelling organization. Throughout my poetry career my full-time career has been a nurse. In 2022 I graduated with my Master’s and became a nurse practitioner. I am currently working on a body of work that will combine my love of public health and performance art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles along the way was finding time to pursue my art while working full time and being a full time single parent. It is not easy after a long day to commit to memorizing a poem or crafting a story. Not making time for those things does leave a longing to want create again. I am glad to be in a place in life where there is time and space for my art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally I have been a nurse a nurse of the last 27 years. Nursing is the only job I have ever had other than making pizzas at at neighborhood pizzeria when I was 16. Nursing is a job I would do for free. I absolutely love it. My speciality is taking care of people and I am really good at it. I have been in every nursing role from a nursing assistant now to the provider as a nurse practitioner. I take care of people across the life span from one day old to 100 years old. I think what sets me apart from other’s is my willingness to go the extra mile to make sure the patients needs are met. My current poetry reflects my interest in healthcare advocacy.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Two books that have been transformative for me are the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Renita Walls
