Kujichagulia : Self-Determination

HAPPY KWANZAA!

Today's principle is Kujichagulia which means self-determination; define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. 

This was the perfect way to wake up this morning, a powerful statement to consider throughout the day. My day started with this and I immediately was encouraged to get moving, clear my space, get organized, work on Voices In Color college campaign, work on school stuff and then I got a text from a friend asking if I was available to hang out. Without hesitation I invited them over because face-to-face dialogues seem rare these days! Everything is online so inviting them to my home to just chat and chill was very much welcomed. 

I still had that excitement of this statement so I shared with them and we had this great in depth conversation about life and our life's history which was very nice. I love learning about people. We even shared our personal goals for 2014. Not a resolution so much but fundamental changes we want to create for ourselves to ensure our happiness. 

So now that I'm sitting by myself again (after a long peaceful nap) I sit thinking of my own self-determination. What does it all mean for me? Here's the answer that came to me....

Define ourselves: I am a one-of-a-kind, loving, spiritual, laughing, sensitive, intelligent, beautiful bare-foot goddess with a seeking spirit. 

Name ourselves: Kiki the Love Child (I am always about love and I am proud of the name I have used in my 33 years)

Create for ourselves: Today I will work on the Voices In Color college campaign. I am dedicated this community space!

Speak for ourselves: This blog is my voice, the piece will also be my voice telling my own story and also encouraging women to do the same. 

I encourage you to take a moment and think about this principle and make it your own. 

Peace!

Kiki the Love Child

and then...there was december

December 1st. There's a taste of freshness in the air .........

It's been a while since I blogged. Lack of subject is definitely not the reason, lol. So much has been happening and this felt like a perfect time to share with everyone. The holidays are here which, whether you celebrate any holiday during this time or not, there's something in the air. The change in weather, attitudes, environment and the ending/beginning of a year affects us all in one way or another.

For me these past couple of months have been incredibly significant. As I type I'm thinking of the best way to explain it in reference to the journey of Voices In Color or Malu Presents for that matter. I'll focus on the changes that are happening that affect what I see happening around me and what I am inspired to do. Does that sound good? *and the voices out there scream loudly....YES GIRL, LET'S HEAR IT!*

Now that I have more free time on my hands I'm dedicating time to evaluating my life, my mission, my struggles and my victories. I don't want to simply go from event to event, show to show but instead build a solid plan of what I want to do within the next year, 5 years, 10 years and so on. I have decided first and foremost I am going back to school and specifically to CSU Northridge in the fall of 2014. I'm speaking into existence and will work diligently to make this happen.

During this time I've made a vow to be more involved with people, direct involvement. I'm studying sociology and I realized my love for helping people. One of the first lessons I learned in my studies is to park our personal opinions at the door and meet the person where they are. This echoes my buddhist practice and even pieces I wrote for VIC. So I'm putting this into practice in my daily life, making a conscious effort to meet people where they are. It's been pretty amazing actually. It's helped me be clear in my decision making, have greater patience for people/situations I didn't understand and ultimately helping me build stronger relationships with people.

So now today, December 1st, I'm reflecting on these lessons (as I write) and I'm anxious to formulate it all into a plan. This morning I was at our monthly buddhist meeting and it's perfectly called our World Peace Prayer Meeting. Something that was shared was about the new headquarters that opened in Japan in November has the strongest foundation in all of Japan so that it can be ready for the strongest earthquake. It is a citadel for peace. The encouragement given to us was to have this same type of indestructible foundation. YES! Isn't that a perfect imagery?!

I will have that foundation that cannot be swayed by external factors. I will be back in school full time for the Fall 2013 semester at CSUN. I will build a solid plan for my future, living out my mission of creating a community of empowerment for queer women of color in society. I AM WINNING.

Peace & Light
Kiki

Thoughts, Reflections, Appreciations....

Voices in Color, LA edition actually happened! Can you believe that?! I am still sifting through the moments leading up to it, the feelings of anxiety, the excitement, the fears, the absolute roller coaster of emotions and I sit here typing this blog smiling. I'm so very very happy.

When I began working on this show in 2009 I never thought this far into the future. At the time I wanted to create something that was theater based and brought Black lesbians together. We had watched the L Word, every single episode; discussed it, laughed with it and critiqued it. The common feeling was that none of us felt represented on the show and always had this hope that would change. Once the show came to an end, that was it. So now what? I couldn't shake the feeling that I had something that would settle this craving so I started writing. My friends and I would be at a party or some type of gathering and every situation became a show to me. So I wrote it down.

It wasn't until after my own deep heartache and pain through a couple of relationships that I felt more compelled to create something solid. Once I experienced domestic violence first hand I started to see how important this show could be for so many different people and how we could address so many different topics. Up until this moment I hadn't written anything "dark" but always knew we, as a community, dealt with domestic violence and rape. And then it came to me, this show would be a journey.

My new relationship helped me put the necessary wheels in motion. It gave me new material and most importantly the support I needed to make this all happen. I was ready. After I made the decision to curate a full show it materialized soooooo quickly!! It still blows my mind that it all came together so beautifully. I was even able to bring in a few artists who performed their original pieces, truly creating a unique journey in each city (much love to Ophelia, Khatt Taylor and Ms. Sho King!)

VIC is about community, period. And with the show in Oakland it was no longer just about Black lesbians, it was about all of the queer women of color I was surrounded by. We all shared a life together, ups and downs. Not only was I able to pull their stories and create original pieces but so many of these women supported me by volunteering their time, their services and encouragement. It was everything this show represents. So when we performed to a packed house I could do nothing but give appreciation to all who had been involved.

**Sorry this is so long but please bear with me a little longer**

After each show I've done (Oakland, San Diego and now LA) there's always a group of women who share their appreciation for what my cast and I have done on stage. With this shower of appreciation I send my own; to those who have trusted me with shaing their stories, to the cast for each show who has pushed themselves to bring truth to the stage, to all of my friends and family who have guided me along, to the audience members who allow themselves to feel each piece's truth and to my own spirit to not be broken when I've hit a wall.

So here I am. October 12th was the day I never could've imagined! I was thrilled and to be honest surprised we had another packed house with standing room only! I don't know as many people in LA so I was unsure of how many people would actually come out but they did....and they were with us every step of the way. I heard it was the first time some of the women who identified as qwoc (queer women of color) had been surrounded by other qwoc's! That was amazing to me. I watched women squirm in their seat and grin while watching Beauty of Her Body, couple's jab each other during Lesbian Bed Death because they knew the feeling of being distant from their partner, ladies in shock during Two Stories because they couldn't believe this woman had been shot, tears during It Happened To Me because they felt the pain of being raped, deep laughter during I'm Bisexual because they didn't expect the "stud" to be in love with a man, gentle smiles during What Is Love as they remember love is life and many bright eyes and head nods during I Am Different because they recognize the power in being themselves.

This show was everything to me. It has helped me see that I can do A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G with Voices In Color as long as I Never Give Up and trust me, I won't. With completing shows in 3 major cities I'm ready to create a plan for what is next. More shows, a college tour and a regular set up so we can open the doors for other creative writers to curate their own one-acts telling their original stories. I have lots of work to do but I'm ready for the world.

Thank you Universe for the continued protection of my spirit, we are in rhythm!

Peace,
Kiki

We're Creating Change With Our VOICES!

      I don't even want to say anything else, just check out the flyer! My excitement levels are SOARING right now! The show is booked, ready to go. We've got close to 100 people who have RSVP'd!

     It's September 10th which means we're just at one month before the show, talk about countdown! I can't believe the time has flown by so quickly but it has and....I can't wait to have everyone take this journey with us. Over these past few days, talking to the cast, with friends, with my muse and other interested community folks I am reminded how important this event is. Queer women of color, black lesbians, brown lesbians, however you identify or label yourself....we are a community that has allowed people to silence us. The time is now for us to take that power back.

     Someone asked me how could we, as individuals, stop domestic violence or fix what has already been done. I use this example because it is reflective of how we feel in general. How can I, as an individual, fix what has happened to YOU in your past? When we share our lives, our stories, our struggles and our victories with one another we realize we are not alone. I have a shared struggle with many of you who have experienced rape, domestic violence or sexual assault. When I can stand firm and tell you my story and push through tears I can possibly encourage you to do the same. We're sharing this struggle and healing together. THIS is how we help.

     With Voices In Color, we are doing that. We're coming together as a community and helping heal and rebuild OUR community by sharing REAL stories!!

I look forward to seeing you October 12th! Come say HI and give me a HUG!
Peace, Kiki

Using My Anger Creatively

Peace. PEACE!

We want peace, we say we want peace but what does that really mean? I'm using this space to openly vent and create instead of taking my anger to the streets.

In order for us to create peace we need to start within ourselves. I don't believe this means not taking action but learning to be assertive, using our words, being strategic, uniting and realizing this movement (if you agree to be a part of it) is not about us as individuals but US as a community. What affects YOU affects ME!

I am angry at the decision of releasing GZ without so much as a slap on the wrist for taking the life of a young man who, in now way, deserved it. We already know the details so there's no need for me to go into them. It made me think about the value of a single life, my life. I am still here but am I living or am I allowing someone else to pull my strings? Have I just become a puppet to these worlds of Hell, Anger and Animality? Am I allowing the obstacles and challenges I face to tear me down, using my anger and frustration as an excuse to cause more violence??? Have I silenced My own voice?!

That's what it has felt like. But the journey is not over and my campaign to win has not ended. This violence towards our community is happening all over the country and we MUST stand up in our own way. Take lead in our own lives to make change. I sit here questioning how can I make change. One way is to never silence myself, use my creativity to spark more conversations and empower my people.

I want women to feel empowered! We carry the world in our womb and it is our responsibility to help protect it. I want to help women have a space to build healthy relationships with other women who have shared their struggle, build a communal space where we can grow and become strong. Create a space where women can express their anger, their fears, their confusion, their victories!

I AM USING MY ANGER CREATIVELY BY SHARING MY LIFE AND CREATING A SPACE TO UNITE WOMEN!

Location Location Location!

It's all about the location!

When you find the right one you have to snatch it! Today I did a walk through of a space pointed out to me by my muse and I immediately saw the many ways I could utilize the space. I visualized the patrons walking in, the reception before, the food table, the vendors, the drum circle, the stage, the lighting, the blocking, the entire set up. It was more than I could've asked for! It even has space for a bar and a dressing room.

Now, time for planning. I'm too excited to share this journey with everyone....stay tuned for details!

Peace, Kiki

Planning my show

It's funny how much you put into a show and how quickly it is over. That's why you want it to be THE BEST it can be so that although it only lasts an hour or so the patrons who attend will have a lasting impression that it was great.

Finding the venue right now is the biggest challenge. This will be an event, not just a play. My goal has always been to create a show that allows other's to showcase their talent and to create a space of rhythmic energy, connecting us all through these stories. That will be Voices In Color, LA edition in 2013. I'm calling it out and so it will be.

As I work on VIC in LA scheduled for October 5th, I sit here wishing I had 100% percent of my time to give. I sat here wit my muse talking about what I want to do in the long run, what are my dreams and I realized these dreams could be a reality in 10yrs or less. I want a community center. I've talked about this since my freshmen year of college. And that dream has evolved into more detail as the years have passed by. As I'm writing this I'm smiling because I know the possibility and I know what I must begin working towards.

Stay with me for the journey!
Peace, Kiki

MEET SONIA RENEE TAYLOR!

1. Who is MS. Sonya Renee Taylor? SRT is a mac and cheese loving, poetry writing scorpion who adores her yorkie, nice glasses of wine and pretty dresses. She is passionate about human connection and social justice.

2. What is the importance of spoken word? I think the WORD is important whether spoken or written. I think both of those mediums offer different things but both are vital for expression. I think there is a pulse and breath in the word aloud that can transform meaning. It is a way to mainline intention whereas the written word seeps in us, absorbed like a sponge. Both get in our bones just in different ways.

3. Tell us about The Body is Not An Apology. The Body Is Not an Apology is a international community and global movement committed to radical self-love and body empowerment. We believe that each time one of us unapologetically owns our beauty, loves our scars, heals our shame; we in turn give others permission to do the same! We believe that discrimination, social inequality and injustice are manifestations of our inability to make peace with the body, our own and others. Through education, personal transformation projects and community building, The Body is Not an Apology foster global, radical, unapologetic self-love which translates to radical human action in service toward a more just and compassionate world.

4. How has having a community of women, a sisterhood, helped you? My connections to women carry me when i am faltering. My community of sisters see me in my aspirations. They see the biggest potential Sonya and hold that light for me. My vulnerabilities are simply another layer of my awesome to them. My ability to have powerful transformative relationships with my sisters has allowed me to have powerful transformative relationships with everyone in the world.

5. Name a woman that has inspired you and why. I am inspired by young women growing up in this society today. Because we are on the precipice of sooo much social change girls are constantly challenged to be the COO and the stripper all in the same breath. Girls are asked to step into their power in feminism and then asked to be objects of male desire in popular culture. I am amazed that young women still come out committed to their dreams on their terms. Every time I see a young girl standing radically in her power I am reminded of the unique and powerful gift womanhood has for each of us.

6. Last thoughts or words of encouragement to share? I invite the world to be part of our Radical Unapologetic community with The Body is Not An Apology by visiting us online at our website www.thebodyisnotanapology.com, twitter @radicalbodylove, facebook or tumblr (thebodyisnotanapology.com). Our full wellness dwells in community. We have a GREAT ONE of radical self love over here! JOIN US!

Thank you Sonya for taking the time to share your vision and your truth with us! Please check her out wherever or however you can, she's phenomenal! Don't forget to also visit The Body is Not An Apology website, a movement worth being a part of. 

Peace ~ Kiki

Interview with Malia Connor

Meet Malia Connor!

Malia Connor, creator of Malia Movement Company and all around incredible Queen Mermaid! This is one of those people that if you have the benefit of meeting her, you will never forget her even if you never speak again. Her aloha is strong! I'm thankful she's given me some of her time.

Who is Malia Connor? Malia Connor is a dancer, choreographer, spoken word artist, photographer, single mother and half mermaid 

Why did you decide to create a dance company? I began Malia Movement Company 20yrs in response to being told (at 25) that I should start looking into other fields since I was getting too old to dance professionally. The focus of my group is to heal Women of Color with movement.

What is the significance of movement? For me, Dunham dance has saved my life. quite literally. Movement is like the ocean for me... serious 'church'.

What is your kinship to mermaids? As far as mermaids, I come from a long line of mermaids on my Kanaka Maoli side. it's in my blood... divers, fishermen, surfers, salty ocean lovas

How has having a community of women, a sisterhood, helped you? Sisterhood, like all of my important relationships is mandatory for my health. We live in a white dominated patriarchal system so any connection I can make with another Woman becomes crucial for my survival.

Name a woman that has inspired you and why. Currently the one Woman that inspires me daily is my 14year old daughter Oni. She is the reason why I continue to create.

Last thoughts or words of encouragement to share? Kiki.. thank you for being you. Your light is beautiful and I enjoy bathing in it. Here's to all of us Queens taking night swims in each other's beauty. XOXOXO

THANK YOU MALIA! I share the same love to her as a Queen moving along on this earth. She has encouraged me with her sisterhood and I'm thrilled to highlight such a beautiful spirit during this Women's History Month. 

Peace, 

Kiki Poe

Interview with Eleven 26

Meet Eleven 26!

Eleven 26 is an entertainment company based out of Southern California who aims to give people an alternative social experience, but who are they REALLY?! I know these women personally and wanted to dig in a little deeper into what Eleven 26 is as a company and where they're going. The company is comprised of the powerful duo, Osha McCall (top left) and Rhonda Kennedy (top right).

MP: First of all, thank you for meeting with me. It's Women's History Month and I wanted to highlight Eleven 26 for the work you're doing.

E26: Thank you for having us!

MP: So tell me who and what is Eleven 26?

E26: (Osha) Eleven 26 encompasses everything that we define entertainment to be. Initially it was about creating alternative social experiences for our friends and their friends. We started out with the debate party [called Controversy]. It was pretty much something we already did with our friends; TV wouldn't be on, nothing would be playing in the background and we’d just be having conversation. 

MP: You said it would be an "alternative social experience"...

E26: (Rhonda) Yeah, hopefully providing different social experiences because we can always go to the club. But you want to sit down in a different type of environment and pick up different opinions and perspectives. You can get so caught up in mind. It’s good to get a different point of view from different people. Controversy opens up the dialogue and puts people in a safe, comfortable environment. And there are some people who feel like they can’t talk about certain things. So maybe putting a topic or two in the box anonymously will help them get through certain things they feel they can’t talk about in certain arenas. That’s what our goal has been and it just gets better and better as time goes on.

MP: You mentioned a social experience for your friends. Was there a particular demographic you had in mind for the debate party?

E26: (Osha) To be completely honest with you, when we talked about it we wanted to make it open to our friends, all inclusive to whatever race that was, whatever sexual orientation that was. But we realized that who we were, what race we were and what sexual orientation we were is who this event catered to. All of our friends are lesbians, Black, beautiful articulate women and that’s who showed up. That was definitely the majority and there are definitely the allies who come through and support.  

E26: (Rhonda) The thing I love about Controversy is that it isn't about how many bodies show up but how much everyone contributes. Other places rely on how many people show up in order for it to function, to be a good time and successful.

MP: Right now it’s a free event for mostly your friends and their friends. Do you see, down the road this being something more open to the public? How do you see it evolving?

E26: (Osha) We’ve talked about Controversy being one of the things we do for community outreach. Although making money would be awesome you can’t get rich off everything. We like the experience of what Controversy is and what people take from it. So this isn’t really something we’re trying to profit from. We’re also working on a summer tour because some people have showed interest in other states.

MP: Controversy was the kick-off for Eleven 26, what else is happening?

   They both share a smile and laugh

E26: (Rhonda) We have another event coming soon, another alternative social experience for an intimate group that includes wine, music and is for the art lovers. [MP can’t give you all the details before the event is announced but I promise you this is going to be that date you mark in PEN on your calendar!] There’s also a web series I wrote called “Good Lovin”. 

MP: When you first spoke about Good Lovin, I immediately thought it was going be a lesbian film.

E26: (Rhonda) I’m glad you said that because I think a lot of people thought so too. I’m always going to be true to how I feel in that moment. I never had a lesbian couple in mind at the base of Good Lovin, I just never saw it. I think there are people who haven’t watched it because they think it’s going to be about lesbians and there are people who think “Oh it’s not about girls, then I’m cool”.

MP: For me knowing Eleven 26, participating in Controversy and seeing Good Lovin’ ; you have these different elements that really speaks to the idea that Eleven 26 is truly an alternative social experience. You have something for everybody.
  E26: (Osha) We also have a t-shirt collection coming out.
   We all start laughing!

MP: Ok, how will the t-shirts tie into the “alternative social experience”?

E26: (Osha) They’re going to represent us as individuals and when you see them you’ll see how they’re not the typical t-shirt.
    I had to give them that look of amazement and started laughing again


E26: (Rhonda) I know right!


MP: So it’s Women’s History month and it’s very important for us to recognize those who have come before us. Is there a woman that has inspired you or has been a mentor of some kind?

E26: (Osha) My grandmother. She was a Capricorn and she just did whatever she wanted to. She was in corporate America for a long time then she decided she wanted to be a cosmetologist, in her 50’s. “I want to do hair, I want to make people look beautiful and I want to shop at Neiman Marcus, that’s all I want to do.” When I was younger she would talk my ear off and I’d be wondering what is this lady trying to tell me and when she passed away every gem she left me then it comes back to me when I need it the most. I feel like I embody her and she inspires me daily. She is my shero.

E26: (Rhonda) I’m a visual person and I wasn't sure how my life was going to work out, the creative aspect of it. The first person that popped in my mind is Queen Latifah because I see so much of myself in her. She was doing the things I wanted to do. She rapped and I rapped for a period of my life and then she started doing film and those were the things I wanted to get into. I see all the different projects she does and I know it’s possible to do it. There are so many dimensions to her and it’s inspiring. She’s never faded into the background and she’s in total control of her career and that’s what I want. 

MP: As an outsider looking in, it sounds like you’re building a life style. 

E26: (Rhonda) We’re not trying to set ourselves apart but it’s something that interests us and we hope that it interests others along the way.

E26: (Osha) This may very well be the thing that allows us to live freely. It’s our way to live the way we want to live and encourage others to do the same.

If you haven't been to one of their events, please mark your calendar. These ladies are dynamic individuals working hard to offer their community something different, something unique. Thank you Osha and Rhonda for taking the time to speak to Malu Presents. 

Peace, 

Kiki Poe

Feeling Free

In 2013 I've made a decision to have more ME time to celebration myself. I'm stepping out with a different attitude. I fee light, a new spring in my step as they say.

In January I received a message from someone I had done some work with a few years back. We had organized a Peace Rally and March for a young girl of 14 yrs who had been gang raped at her high school. The story was horrifying! I couldn't fathom how these young men (aged 16-23) could be involved in something so horrible. I'll leave the details out but it affected all of us.We immediately began working on it when we heard what happened, true organizers. We reached out to everyone and they responded with absolute support. I was marveled by the way everyone came together to show support to this young girl. There were some very turbulent bumps in the road to making it happen but we stayed focused on our mission, to bring the surrounding communities together in solidarity because rape is happening all over the place. I'm proud to announce the young girl's sister and father met my friend and relayed the message that our rally helped on her path to healing!

This renewed my mission for Malu Presents. I started this company with community in mind. I helped plan many events and activities but I was yearning for something that would help bring people together in a more fundamental way, something to help us grow as a people. That's what this company was born from, that passion. I specifically wanted to do something for queer women of color. Our community is separated for some reason. I have my theories but I didn't want to spend so much time thinking about it; I wanted to take action. So here I am.

I'm pleased at the work I've done and am anxious to do more. Each year I've grown in my efforts and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead. Thank you for being on this journey with me!

Peace and <3
Kiki

2013!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What does a new year mean for you? For me, 2013 means GROWTH!

I set goals at the beginning of the year and renew my goals throughout the year. For this year I'm focusing more on Voices In Color and developing Malu Presents. I had planned a show in LA in 2012 but instead I was able to produce a show in San Diego! In addition to the show I produced an online exhibit telling stories of survivors from domestic violence. It was graffic but poignant and amazing! My vision board still has VIC in LA so it WILL happen.

It's really easy to get caught in our daily work lives, our 9-5's. I've never considered myself an artist but we all have artistic abilities, something that speaks to us. For me it's theater and in particular helping tell the stories of women who don't feel their voice is being heard. We should all embrace this side of ourselves. This past year I've made some great connections and been encouraged by various artists in my environment. In particular the ladies that hosted my show in San Diego. They've helped me see the potential in my show and where it can go so hopefully I can produce a tour in the future!

It's only January, only 7 days into the year but there's no time like the present to begin working on our goals. I saw a picture online that was perfect for seting goals. It was an acronym for SMART: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-bound. I'll be reporting back on how everything is coming along. Thank you for growing with me. :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!