Thursday, November 1, 2012
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Online Exhibit
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month I've created an online exhibit to share stories of women who have been through domestic violence, survived and thrived! They've shared their stories anonymously and I'm thankful to them for opening up. It isn't easy but this effort helps others find strength to overcome their struggle. We are a community. I start this exhibit with my own story.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thank YOU San Diego!
WE DID IT!
Voices In Color - San Diego is complete and they gave so much love I can't help but begin plotting and planning for the next show, and the next show and the NEXT show!
It was such an amazing feeling to have so many people come up to me afterwards and begin sharing their own stories or what pieces they related to. This response is exactly what I had hoped for. The purpose of the show is to tell qwoc (queer women of color) stories, be authentic, give our community a voice. If you're a member of this community you know how colorful we are and you'll also see we've come along way with regards to building relationships with one another. It's not always easy for women of color to be "out", to feel free in their own skin within society. This show is MY way of helping build bridges, helping us feel comfortable and safe.
One half of Soul Kiss had seen the show in Oakland with her partner and invited me to bring the show to SD. Actually, her and her partner have been true supporters and have encouraged me by offering to do whatever they could to bring my show to southern california. Soul Kiss and Malu Presents sponsored an event in Miami and during that trip we had a very real conversation about what we feel this qwoc community needs and how do we, as qwoc ourselves, do our part. I appreciate those conversations more than they can ever know. We have to keep these dialogues going because from them come freedom for ourselves.
One of the newest pieces I wrote is titled I Am Different and its made up of stanzas, describing different types of women. I struggled with this because one of the stanzas reads "I feel more comfortable around women of color, there's an unspoken sisterhood. I don't trust white women. But I know this community is bigger than me or them. I don't always want to be different". I struggled with this particular piece because I didn't want to alienate any guests who were white but I know women of color who feel this way. The purpose of the show is to represent as many qwoc as possible and I had to remind myself this show isn't all of my personal stories but a collection of stories from the people around me. So I kept it and a few women came up to me afterwards thanking me for including it because they could relate. sigh & exhale.
So I've succeeded and accomplished another milestone. Thank you again to EVERYONE who has continued to support me. Now, the wheels are turning for my next step. Hopefully I'll be booking an LA show here shortly.......
Don't turn that channel...STAY TUNED!
Peace, Kiki
One half of Soul Kiss had seen the show in Oakland with her partner and invited me to bring the show to SD. Actually, her and her partner have been true supporters and have encouraged me by offering to do whatever they could to bring my show to southern california. Soul Kiss and Malu Presents sponsored an event in Miami and during that trip we had a very real conversation about what we feel this qwoc community needs and how do we, as qwoc ourselves, do our part. I appreciate those conversations more than they can ever know. We have to keep these dialogues going because from them come freedom for ourselves.
One of the newest pieces I wrote is titled I Am Different and its made up of stanzas, describing different types of women. I struggled with this because one of the stanzas reads "I feel more comfortable around women of color, there's an unspoken sisterhood. I don't trust white women. But I know this community is bigger than me or them. I don't always want to be different". I struggled with this particular piece because I didn't want to alienate any guests who were white but I know women of color who feel this way. The purpose of the show is to represent as many qwoc as possible and I had to remind myself this show isn't all of my personal stories but a collection of stories from the people around me. So I kept it and a few women came up to me afterwards thanking me for including it because they could relate. sigh & exhale.
So I've succeeded and accomplished another milestone. Thank you again to EVERYONE who has continued to support me. Now, the wheels are turning for my next step. Hopefully I'll be booking an LA show here shortly.......
Don't turn that channel...STAY TUNED!
Peace, Kiki
Monday, September 10, 2012
Getting Ready for San Diego!
I've been so busy with prepping for this show I haven't updated by blog! So let me take a moment and write down my lil update of what is going on for me, Malu Presents and Voices In Color.
I have a show booked for September 23rd in San Diego courtesy of Soul Kiss. I'm so thankful for these ladies, they have no idea. They've been so supportive and encouraging every time we've talked about the show. Those conversations fed me. I created this show being honest with myself, I am NOT a writer but I have a story to tell. When I thought about it, we ALL have a story to tell and here we are with another opportunity to share those stories.
When I was invited to do the show I jumped and immediately said YES! :)
Then I had to plan it out and a new reality set in. The venue is not at all made up for a stage play, I have no cast members, I don't have the same connections I had in the Bay Area which helped me in a tremendous way to pull it off. I was having serious doubts and then was reminded by a friend of how moved they were by the show. Then a few weeks ago a friend passed away who had always encouraged me to fulfill my creative self. Then last weekend a good friend gave me a beautiful journal with my name printed on it specifically to continue writing Voices In Color. My dedication was renewed by these instances. I needed to remember why I was doing this and how many of my loved ones supported me.
Today I've almost finished a new script (there were a lot of changes that had to be made to the script which caused more worry), cast 2 amazing women, completed 2 additional scripts and am ready (well almost). As I finish a 2nd draft of one of my scripts and I was very nervous to share it but my muse told me she really liked it, gave me a high five and said she was proud of me. Yup, that's the type of encouragement I needed to finish writing tonight!
Thank you to everyone who's continued supporting me. My gratitude is soaring above the clouds!
Peace, Kiki
I have a show booked for September 23rd in San Diego courtesy of Soul Kiss. I'm so thankful for these ladies, they have no idea. They've been so supportive and encouraging every time we've talked about the show. Those conversations fed me. I created this show being honest with myself, I am NOT a writer but I have a story to tell. When I thought about it, we ALL have a story to tell and here we are with another opportunity to share those stories.
When I was invited to do the show I jumped and immediately said YES! :)
Then I had to plan it out and a new reality set in. The venue is not at all made up for a stage play, I have no cast members, I don't have the same connections I had in the Bay Area which helped me in a tremendous way to pull it off. I was having serious doubts and then was reminded by a friend of how moved they were by the show. Then a few weeks ago a friend passed away who had always encouraged me to fulfill my creative self. Then last weekend a good friend gave me a beautiful journal with my name printed on it specifically to continue writing Voices In Color. My dedication was renewed by these instances. I needed to remember why I was doing this and how many of my loved ones supported me.
Today I've almost finished a new script (there were a lot of changes that had to be made to the script which caused more worry), cast 2 amazing women, completed 2 additional scripts and am ready (well almost). As I finish a 2nd draft of one of my scripts and I was very nervous to share it but my muse told me she really liked it, gave me a high five and said she was proud of me. Yup, that's the type of encouragement I needed to finish writing tonight!
Thank you to everyone who's continued supporting me. My gratitude is soaring above the clouds!
Peace, Kiki
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Changing Me
New piece coming along nicely, almost done and ready to be casted. I'm super excited and am on a Voices In Color campaign! This campaign means every day I'm contributing to the show whether its cleaning up the script, working on the flyer, securing the venue, casting the actors....any and everything to make this show a success!
I ran into an obstacle because the venue for LA is no longer available due to relocation and it was THE best deal I would've asked for. Now I need to find a new venue and asap because I need to create the flyers so instead of becoming discouraged I'm becoming more motivated. I know what this show can do for people, what it has done for some of the men and women of Oakland. Having had the experience already, having women share their own stories of growth with me is my fuel to make this happen, no matter what!
Changing Me
Friday, July 27, 2012
To be in theater you have to have a tough skin, I forgot this very important piece of information. I've been stage managing a show and we're about to open.
The show is simply amazing. The story, the actors, the lesson all are powerful. I'm absolutely honored to be a part of a show that deals with such a powerful story. The play follows a woman who's overcome domestic violence through her spiritual practice. It also follows a man who's lost his wife to breast cancer, helping him find his way again.
Working on a show that is homegrown is like working for a nonprofit. The mission is genuine and typically the goal of the organization is to help but there's always the challenge of wearing many hats. That's where I find myself now with this production. We have a small staff to get everything done and its very part time for most of us so getting all of the work done (props, blocking, scheduling, production meetings) is a struggle. People get tired, agitated, loose patience. Through all of this you still have to focus on the show, giving your all to put on a show that is the absolute BEST! With non-profits you are reminded of the mission when you get to the point of frustration or even as far as quitting. With a play you don't always have people who are invested in producing a story but I definitely am.
You can't take things personal because we're all here to produce something amazing. That road to making it happen has bumps for everyone that come at different times. So when someone gets testy take it as this....they're just trying to put on the best show possible.
Goodnight.
The show is simply amazing. The story, the actors, the lesson all are powerful. I'm absolutely honored to be a part of a show that deals with such a powerful story. The play follows a woman who's overcome domestic violence through her spiritual practice. It also follows a man who's lost his wife to breast cancer, helping him find his way again.
Working on a show that is homegrown is like working for a nonprofit. The mission is genuine and typically the goal of the organization is to help but there's always the challenge of wearing many hats. That's where I find myself now with this production. We have a small staff to get everything done and its very part time for most of us so getting all of the work done (props, blocking, scheduling, production meetings) is a struggle. People get tired, agitated, loose patience. Through all of this you still have to focus on the show, giving your all to put on a show that is the absolute BEST! With non-profits you are reminded of the mission when you get to the point of frustration or even as far as quitting. With a play you don't always have people who are invested in producing a story but I definitely am.
You can't take things personal because we're all here to produce something amazing. That road to making it happen has bumps for everyone that come at different times. So when someone gets testy take it as this....they're just trying to put on the best show possible.
Goodnight.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Domestic Violence Awareness
Raise your hand if you have been or know someone that has been raped, molested or sexually assaulted. I've got mine raised, how about you? In 2010, a friend and I organized a rally for a 14yr old girl that had been gang raped. During the rally I asked this question and the number of hands shooting up was heart breaking, a harsh reality. Someone that had brought their daughter shared with me that when she raised her hand and her daughter asked if she had been raped. She hadn't been but she knew some women who had been. This single action created an important dialogue. When those hands were raised, I didn't feel alone, I was among people who understood my past.
I'm not certified or any type of specialist but I've been there and one of the most strengthening moments for me was to know I wasn't alone. Being able to share my story and shedding my tears in a safe space helped me evolve; I'm no longer a victim but instead a survivor.
Because of moments like this I'm excited to create Voices In Color - Domestic Violence Awareness Month edition. Being given the trust of women sharing their story with me means more than I can express. I only hope I do them justice.
Good night,
Kiki
I'm not certified or any type of specialist but I've been there and one of the most strengthening moments for me was to know I wasn't alone. Being able to share my story and shedding my tears in a safe space helped me evolve; I'm no longer a victim but instead a survivor.
Because of moments like this I'm excited to create Voices In Color - Domestic Violence Awareness Month edition. Being given the trust of women sharing their story with me means more than I can express. I only hope I do them justice.
Good night,
Kiki
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
2012 isn't over yet!
It's June 5, 2012. Can you believe the year is half way through?! Some friends were sharing this revelation with me and it just hadn't occurred to me we were coming up on 2013 so quickly. They began talking about what the first half of the year meant to them and what changes they planned to make in the coming months. I sat listening and realized, I haven't done as much as I had wanted for myself, for my own company. So when it was my turn to share all I could say was that this needed to change.
Over the course of the past 6 months I've been able to do the following which is definitely a reason to celebrate!
1. Become a sponsor for Miami's Women's Weekend
2. New logo
3. Invited to produce a show in San Diego
4. Few people interested in volunteering
5. Few people interested in sharing their stories
Well, 5 is my favorite number! Although these are all amazing accomplishments, I know I can be doing more. One of my goals for the year was to write more. After searching for a venue in San Diego I realized I was moving in the wrong direction. When I completed VIC in Oakland I moved shortly after and have been adjusting ever since. I never took the time to really go back and work on the show, to develop it more. I was pushing to produce another one because there had been so much interest and a high from it, which is more than I could have dreamed of! But I knew, this wasn't the right step for me. After this, I made the decision to not produce a show in 2012 but to focus on working the content of the show so it would be at it's best in 2013.
2012 isn't over yet! After a short conversation with a friend I was encouraged to do something for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. After an hour I had a venue and 3 volunteers to work the show! Determination and persistence is key. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do and was determined to make it happen. All night I began brainstorming and the excitement flowing through my veins cannot be described!
This morning as I'm sitting in front of my buddhist altar, chanting, I began envisioning pieces and one that popped in my mind was a story that shows domestic violence happening through the generations but a woman becomes stronger knowing that she's going to break this "tradition" by stopping it from happening ever again in her household. This imagery brought tears to my eyes!
Over the course of the past 6 months I've been able to do the following which is definitely a reason to celebrate!
1. Become a sponsor for Miami's Women's Weekend
2. New logo
3. Invited to produce a show in San Diego
4. Few people interested in volunteering
5. Few people interested in sharing their stories
Well, 5 is my favorite number! Although these are all amazing accomplishments, I know I can be doing more. One of my goals for the year was to write more. After searching for a venue in San Diego I realized I was moving in the wrong direction. When I completed VIC in Oakland I moved shortly after and have been adjusting ever since. I never took the time to really go back and work on the show, to develop it more. I was pushing to produce another one because there had been so much interest and a high from it, which is more than I could have dreamed of! But I knew, this wasn't the right step for me. After this, I made the decision to not produce a show in 2012 but to focus on working the content of the show so it would be at it's best in 2013.
2012 isn't over yet! After a short conversation with a friend I was encouraged to do something for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. After an hour I had a venue and 3 volunteers to work the show! Determination and persistence is key. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do and was determined to make it happen. All night I began brainstorming and the excitement flowing through my veins cannot be described!
This morning as I'm sitting in front of my buddhist altar, chanting, I began envisioning pieces and one that popped in my mind was a story that shows domestic violence happening through the generations but a woman becomes stronger knowing that she's going to break this "tradition" by stopping it from happening ever again in her household. This imagery brought tears to my eyes!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
On the Flight
This morning I was flying up to Oakland and took out my favorite reading material these days Brother West, Living and Loving Out Loud. I have been a fan of Cornel West but my appreciation and respect has deepened to an entirely new level. I'm an avid reader but hadn't been doing much reading over the past few months until I received this book. Mainly there was SO much going on in my down time I wanted to completely unplug.
When I changed my plans and decided to come to Oakland a few days early I also vowed to spend some time writing and reading....to spend some serious quality time with myself. When I read his autobiography I was began digesting his words, really listening to his story. There are new words to learn, philosophers to research and a Black man to appreciate. His experience gives me hope, reminds me of some of my basic feelings of community, of friendships built.
I get to this section where he begins speaking about the blackouts he was experiencing and how they happened so randomly. One of them happened and he was at the complete mercy of strangers to help him, and they did. It was beautiful because I contribute their kindness to his karmic retribution. He'd been such an advocate of brotherhood & sisterhood he was ultimately protected against something that seemed natural. His doctor told him simply he needed to slow down. He refused to stop any of his efforts because of the impact he was making. I could totally relate to this!
As I started developing Voices In Color I began re-living some very painful situations including sexual assault and domestic violence. At the same time my plate was over flowing with work and responsibilities but my dedication to developing heart felt stories was at the forefront of my mind. With me reliving my past the anxiety attacks struck HARD as did minor depression. I went to the doctor and they prescribed me xanax and I'm happy to report I didn't fill that prescription. I believe we should try more holistic approaches before succumbing to pills. So I began studying my Buddhist literature, talking about my past with trusted loved ones and taking better care of my body. This helped me tremendously! Like Brother West, I deepened my relationship with self and started with my foundation of spirituality. What came of this was me working through some demons and producing a piece of work I'm exceptionally proud of.
I encourage everyone to never give up on their dream no matter what! Obstacles are going to happen including health. This doesn't mean to ignore them but instead to persevere through them remaining steadfast. Have the spirit of a lion king and never give up on yourself. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of how amazing we are to rejuvenate our spirit.
Peace, Kiki
When I changed my plans and decided to come to Oakland a few days early I also vowed to spend some time writing and reading....to spend some serious quality time with myself. When I read his autobiography I was began digesting his words, really listening to his story. There are new words to learn, philosophers to research and a Black man to appreciate. His experience gives me hope, reminds me of some of my basic feelings of community, of friendships built.
I get to this section where he begins speaking about the blackouts he was experiencing and how they happened so randomly. One of them happened and he was at the complete mercy of strangers to help him, and they did. It was beautiful because I contribute their kindness to his karmic retribution. He'd been such an advocate of brotherhood & sisterhood he was ultimately protected against something that seemed natural. His doctor told him simply he needed to slow down. He refused to stop any of his efforts because of the impact he was making. I could totally relate to this!
As I started developing Voices In Color I began re-living some very painful situations including sexual assault and domestic violence. At the same time my plate was over flowing with work and responsibilities but my dedication to developing heart felt stories was at the forefront of my mind. With me reliving my past the anxiety attacks struck HARD as did minor depression. I went to the doctor and they prescribed me xanax and I'm happy to report I didn't fill that prescription. I believe we should try more holistic approaches before succumbing to pills. So I began studying my Buddhist literature, talking about my past with trusted loved ones and taking better care of my body. This helped me tremendously! Like Brother West, I deepened my relationship with self and started with my foundation of spirituality. What came of this was me working through some demons and producing a piece of work I'm exceptionally proud of.
I encourage everyone to never give up on their dream no matter what! Obstacles are going to happen including health. This doesn't mean to ignore them but instead to persevere through them remaining steadfast. Have the spirit of a lion king and never give up on yourself. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of how amazing we are to rejuvenate our spirit.
Peace, Kiki
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Malu Presents is about our community and producing events that are focused on REbuilding community.
With my move to LA I hit a roadblock with producing any community events mainly because of adjusting to my new job. But this past weekend I had the opportunity to produce a gathering called Black Love in Public. This event began in Oakland and although I never made it out to the event I was moved by the organizer's efforts so at the last minute I invitedbsome folls out in LA. It was 4 of us but I was still very moved and appreciative of this simple beginning. We talked about our own intimacy challenges with strangers, the lack of support we feel within the community and chatted about the community involvement we'd like to see. It was great! Afterwards we discussed how we could support one another with our own creative endeavors, it's exactly what I'd been looking for - what I've been craving!
It's only a start, I was encouraged ny the others to organizing a similar gathering that happens more oftwn since B.L.I.P only happens once a year.
Malu Presents is READY!
With my move to LA I hit a roadblock with producing any community events mainly because of adjusting to my new job. But this past weekend I had the opportunity to produce a gathering called Black Love in Public. This event began in Oakland and although I never made it out to the event I was moved by the organizer's efforts so at the last minute I invitedbsome folls out in LA. It was 4 of us but I was still very moved and appreciative of this simple beginning. We talked about our own intimacy challenges with strangers, the lack of support we feel within the community and chatted about the community involvement we'd like to see. It was great! Afterwards we discussed how we could support one another with our own creative endeavors, it's exactly what I'd been looking for - what I've been craving!
It's only a start, I was encouraged ny the others to organizing a similar gathering that happens more oftwn since B.L.I.P only happens once a year.
Malu Presents is READY!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Who's Responsibility Is It?
I had a work training in Las Vegas this weekend and made a vow that I was going to work on my writing and ideally wanted to finish a piece. There's something about traveling and then finally getting into your hotel room. I was pooped and just wanted to sink into my bed and do absolutely N.O.T.H.I.N.G. lol. So I did mostly that but remembered my vow to myself. I grabbed my writing journal, pen and breathed. I immediately knew what piece I wanted to work on.
Recently there was an interview done with a popular rap artist out of Oakland, Too Short, that was just ridiculous. He was giving "fatherly advice" to young boys about how to manipulate young girls and was fairly graphic. XXL magazine made the grave mistake of printing it. After reading it, I was enraged for various reasons, you can imagine. 1. What a terrible reminder that this man is like many and what so many of our youth are looking to as an example. 2. This magazine felt it was OK, whoever approved it or however many people read this disgusting article. 3. There was a response by a reporter who was a Black woman who said the blame falls solely on the magazine instead of recognizing BOTH of their behaviors.
This led me to adding to my piece titled "It Happened To Me". The piece is originally a monologue telling my story of being molested by my cousin and sexually assaulted by my brother's friend before the age of 13. What I am doing is changing it where the monologue happens at a poetry performance and is followed by an interview with a local reporter. During the interview the speaker will be questioned about what she did to bring this upon herself.
How many times have we heard remarks like "What was she doing over there anyway?" or even "What was she wearing when it happened?" These questions take the responsibility off the perpetrator and put it on the victim. I want to address this in my play. It's attitudes like that rapper and even the reporter who commented on his interview that concern me. Put the blame where it belongs and hold THAT person accountable for their actions.
Peace, Kiki
Recently there was an interview done with a popular rap artist out of Oakland, Too Short, that was just ridiculous. He was giving "fatherly advice" to young boys about how to manipulate young girls and was fairly graphic. XXL magazine made the grave mistake of printing it. After reading it, I was enraged for various reasons, you can imagine. 1. What a terrible reminder that this man is like many and what so many of our youth are looking to as an example. 2. This magazine felt it was OK, whoever approved it or however many people read this disgusting article. 3. There was a response by a reporter who was a Black woman who said the blame falls solely on the magazine instead of recognizing BOTH of their behaviors.
This led me to adding to my piece titled "It Happened To Me". The piece is originally a monologue telling my story of being molested by my cousin and sexually assaulted by my brother's friend before the age of 13. What I am doing is changing it where the monologue happens at a poetry performance and is followed by an interview with a local reporter. During the interview the speaker will be questioned about what she did to bring this upon herself.
How many times have we heard remarks like "What was she doing over there anyway?" or even "What was she wearing when it happened?" These questions take the responsibility off the perpetrator and put it on the victim. I want to address this in my play. It's attitudes like that rapper and even the reporter who commented on his interview that concern me. Put the blame where it belongs and hold THAT person accountable for their actions.
Peace, Kiki
Friday, January 27, 2012
Time for research
This past month has literally flew by and some really incredible events have occurred that have totally inspired my creativity. For NYE I had the pleasure of co-hosting a yacht party for Soul Kiss in San Diego and it was amazing. The boat was full of Black women, dressed so beautifully with the most energetic vibe. *sigh* At the stroke of midnight there was this vibrant scream of happiness that erupted. It was amazing to experience. After the yacht had been cleared 2 of my friends and I held a balloon apiece and voiced our wish for the new year. Not a goal but something we felt we'd love to see in the people that surrounded us and beyond. 1. a sense of community, pride and knowledge 2. creativity and 3. health. Balloons release and it with this our wish was released into the Universe. It was beautiful.
I've also spent night upon night with some amazing women discussing friendships, relationships, politics, religion and shared much appreciated laughter. All of these incredible moments give me inspiration to share, to share our stories. These experiences move me and I hope that any and everyone reading this will take some time to remember moments they've shared similarly. Don't forget those encounters, they will mold you and acknowledge that what you've shared of yourself will mold those people you've touched.
Peace,
Kiki Poe
Malu Presents
I've also spent night upon night with some amazing women discussing friendships, relationships, politics, religion and shared much appreciated laughter. All of these incredible moments give me inspiration to share, to share our stories. These experiences move me and I hope that any and everyone reading this will take some time to remember moments they've shared similarly. Don't forget those encounters, they will mold you and acknowledge that what you've shared of yourself will mold those people you've touched.
Peace,
Kiki Poe
Malu Presents
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