by Shawn Nowlin
Words are a powerful thing. Whether they are spoken or written, words can inspire countless individuals, prompt powerful emotions, and speak reality into existence, just to name a few.
For Roanoke middle and high-school-aged youth who enjoy writing poetry, the Melrose Branch Library has created an opportunity for them to explore the world of rhythm and rhyme. For the next three Fridays from 5 to 7:30 p.m., a Teen Speak Poetry Camp will be hosted at 2502 Melrose Ave. NW Suite D. A free dinner will be provided every week.
Influential poets Bryan “Harvest Blaque” Hancock, a local musician, and Roanoke City Public School’s Teacher of the Year Adria Cintron will be leading the sessions. Once Hancock discovered how powerful words can be, he never looked back. Writing poetry allows him to let his imagination run wild.
“My house was constantly filled with music growing up. This led to a genuine love of storytelling through music and poetry. Because of both, I gravitated to the culture naturally,” Hancock said.
He added, “It was my aunt who gave me my first journal when I was nine. I religiously wrote in that thing, documenting whatever the highs and lows were in my life at the time. Writing quickly became an outlet, and it is something that I still do today. I can’t wait to share my knowledge with the youth and answer their questions.”
Giving teens an opportunity to express themselves through art is something Melrose Library associate Antinette Beane and Roanoke Public Libraries Director Sheila Umberger both wholeheartedly support.
“The ability to comprehend storytelling usually begins at an early age. Every teen, regardless of background, has something valuable to say. It is incumbent on us adults to make sure that they feel heard and respected. Regardless of what they go through, their emotions can always be channeled through words. I hope as many youth as possible take advantage of this opportunity,” she said.
Tapping into his writing talents gave Jamie Saunders confidence when he needed it the most. “People today have a hard time believing it, but growing up, I was very much an introvert and very reserved. Writing poetry gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. It worked for me and if they give it a try, I’m confident it’ll work for today’s Roanoke youth too,” he said.
This opportunity was made possible after the library partnered with Arts in Roanoke, the Star City Safe Initiative, and the Grandin Theatre. Parents can still sign their child up for the program by visiting roanokeva.gov and following the instructions.
