I’d written a group of my friends about a month ago sharing what I knew of Favreau’s story with a discussion point specifically about Favreau’s age and how great (and scary), that at 27 (our age!) he has this amazing (and I’m certain stressful) job of helping to shape the President’s words. Wow! It got me thinking about my passions, where I am now with 12to28, and the importance of being ready when opportunities come. It created just enough envy to set my fire to an intense blaze again.

Well, MSJ gave me the Post so that I could read the front page article on Favreau titled “Helping to Write History” and below it I spot an article on The Inaugural Poet titled “Selection Provides Civil Rights Symmetry“.  Although first I spotted the picture, noting someone familiar, of Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, Poet and Scholar of African American Literature and Culture. The article, which is a lovely read, introduces Dr. Alexander by sharing the story of her parents taking her to the March on Washington when she was a tiny toddler of 1 years old and makes the obvious connection to the enormity of her January appointment to breathe words of purpose during the Inauguration.

I’d met Dr. Alexander back in undergrad when I served as President of the Honor’s Student Cabinet at Dillard.  The Honor’s Department hosted a special colloquium where 4-6 artists/writers/creators were invited on campus to share their gift with students and faculty. Honor’s students were treated to special intimate 2-4 hour sessions with the special guests where we in groups of 6-8 had time to discuss, debate, talk, chat and laugh with the creators about their work…and what ever else the conversation landed on. (Of course, we did our homework ahead of time! We were all given copies of and read the guests’ work to aid in that lively discussion weeks before their anticipated arrival.) The guests’ week long visit ended with a University-wide (Open to the public) reading/dialogue.

Dr. Alexander and I at DU circa 2002

In addition, to being fortunate enough to be in her small group discussion, I was Dr. Alexander’s student host.  I welcomed, escorted and assisted her with getting to her campus destinations and just did my best to make sure she had a comfortable, enjoyable time. My memory about that time is clouded with how warm and approachable, yet reserved and slightly shy….maybe a pleasant melancholy?…sober thoughtfulness?….Dr. Alexander appeared to me.

I remember her voice being light, again, warm and inquisitive in our Honor’s small group discussion. And I remember myself and classmates being more reserved than normal….hesitant with our thoughts, as if we were writing  and reviewing the final draft for the third time before we would allow our professor to read our creations.

Dr. Alexander was patient  and kind. She asked lots of questions when we as students reverted to our shy, self consious selves…trying to become invisible in the room. Now that I think of it, I wonder how many of us first, read, and then, digested Dr. Alexander’s work. I know that we discussed in some part the Venus Hottentot...but nothing remarkable about the dialogue exchange has stuck with me. I remember thinking or feeling not as impressive as usual.

What has stuck with me….what I keenly remember is the thoughtful space and the sometimes silence Dr. Alexander seemed to occupy during my time and exchange with her (walking along the Avenue of the Oaks or in the Honor’s Seminar Room) and the 21 year old college student that was me trying to interpret what that meant and where I fit into it.

Today, I feel I’m closer to finding out.  I think it begins when my pen hits paper and begin to compose what is my poetry…and just not a fulfillment to or for 12to28. Although, I love, Love, LOVE Marvelous Maya and Sweet Sonya and the other well known scribes in my community I am so utterly awash that Dr. Alexander’s light will shine in this way…during that January 20th spotlight.  So that Saartjie’s and the other stories may reach more & more unknowing minds.

Secondly, this gives me a bit of space and time to build a base (and my confidence!) This is a daunting challenge, ya’ll. So, I’m enrolled in Acting 1/Realism class at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Which I absolutely love! (Although the class has too many people in it (25?) and I selfishly find myself impatiently waiting for my turn.) It was a tough decision as I was juggling between the Little Theatre and downtown DC’s Theatre Lab class with Deidre Starns (a Howard University drama professor and noted Thespian). Ultimately, I chose this one because of the early focus on each participant selecting, perfecting and performing a monologue which will be subsequently taped by a professional videographer and plastered on DVD. (Yes, you may look forward to my world premier in a month or so when I upload my performance on the website……)I also liked that the Lil’ Theatre was open to drop in’s on the first class to get an idea of the pace/temp. Theatre Lab, promptly said no to this request….sigh. Perhaps, next time I’ll be able to switch it up.

And then there is: Dance. I fortunately lucked up on a Work Exchange Program at the DC Dance Collective which allows me a free dance class for every 2 hours I volunteer! I’ve been volunteering so far one night a week for four hours, and my classes of choice are Hawaiian Hula and Turkish Belly Dancing. But Im getting that itch to hop in on a Tap Dancing Class…..DC Dance Collective is a small, privately owned Dance Collective with 3 studios and I enjoy the relaxed, come as you are (and Dance!) atmosphere. In fact, the Mission of DC Dance Collective reads as follows:

The Mission of DC Dance Collective is to make dance available to everyone, regardless of social or economic status, age, gender, or artistic or cultural background, and to establish a studio atmosphere in which students and instructors have artistic choices, share in the artistic process, and learn the value of artistic expression.

I love it!

I’m realizing that my goals are ambitious. They always are. While initially I thought I would be actively engaging in all 3 (Poetry, Theatre and Dance) PTD, every week, I’ve realized that in the early months of 12to28 I have to slow down and ENJOY and focus on what I can focus on without overwhelming myself. But don’t fret Poetry will be infused ever so gently in the coming weeks….I have a few things/people up my sleeve.

Finally, my internet capabilities are limited and I’m working out a routine to post a minimum of twice weekly. So thanks for being patient while I work this all out and find my groove and THANKS for joining me on this journey!

Kissing the Sphinx in Spring 2002

BEGINNINGS

Born and raised in Alabama Kesha recalls the beauty associated with growing up in the South but also the limitations. As a child she enjoyed reading, painting rocks, and exploring (albeit mostly imaginary explorations beginning and ending in her head). However, it was perhaps her fondness for reading that nurtured Kesha’s natural curiosity for learning any and everything.

“I don’t know where my passion for reading stems. Although, I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that my Great-Grandmother ,who lived in Anniston while I was growing up, would bring small gifts/treats for the grand kids when she and her sister would make their monthly doctor’s visits in Birmingham.  Along with my treat, I’d also get carefully clipped pieces of the funnies from, I assume, the Anniston Star.  My Great-Grandmother would clip them just for me and they often included puzzles/games, mind teasers, and coloring pages (of which Granny would color for me!). I would read them,  try to crack the puzzle and then place them in my scrap book. I can’t pick up a newspaper today without searching for and reading the ‘funnies’.”

…..I always have to know what’s coming next. As I read, my mind paints a picture, a movie of all the scenes, smells, people…whatever I am reading about at the time I am engrossed in it. One of my guilty pleasures was going shopping at the Alabama Thrift Store with my Grandma. Ordinarily most kids would have been super embarrassed by this. And I did have some slight embarrassment. But this particular store had a great used book section and this is where my Grandma (who could shop for hours) would allow me to hang out….in paradise reading, skimming, looking at the pictures until it was time to go.”

Not surprisingly, Kesha excelled in school and graduated with honors and numerous college scholarship opportunities. She humbly and excitedly accepted Dillard University’s offer of acceptance and began a remarkable journey of growth and exploration during her years at the small liberal arts college.

Notably, while at Dillard, Kesha was awarded the Luard Scholarship from the English Speaking Union of the United States. It is the experience of living and studying for a year in London that Kesha credits as one of her major life milestones.

“I learned so much about myself during this time away from everyone I knew and everyone who thought they knew me…..I also came to the realization that prior to traveling to London my exposure to opportunities and the dynamic possibilities of life had been limited. I hadn’t seriously thought about what I wanted my life’s mission to be…my vision was limited…..I was just on the fast tract to purposeless success.”

It was during the 6 years after London that Kesha began nurturing her life vision engaging in work, volunteer, and public service opportunities dedicated to improving access (domestic and international) to educational opportunities for African American and United States minority youth.

NOW

Kesha is on the journey to execute her life’s purpose and inspire others to live their best life. She is working on the 12to28 project, setting the stages for other business pursuits, and evaluating the educational offerings of various graduate and professional programs in Law, International Education Policy and African American studies.

She spends her days engrossed in 12to28, volunteering, writing, reading and exploring life.

FUTURE

Kesha is an author, consultant, explorer, philanthropist, activist and scholar and is contributing to the radical evolution of the Public School System in the Southern United States. In addition to her role as producer, occasional correspondent, and CEO, Kesha is the founder of a co-educational International Academy in Bessemer, Alabama. When she is not traveling, she enjoys guest lecturing at HBCU’s, volunteering, and acting in film and theater projects with progressive scripts. Kesha is a proud donor to the United Negro College Fund, Dillard University and several Alabama educational initiatives.

ALWAYS

food, life fulfullment, God’s Path, music, good people, real love, opportunity, acting, the genious of Stevie, Travel, reading, writing, daydreaming, family, shooting the breeze, newness, peace, the soul and spirit, education, art, Maya Angelou, exploration, creativity, living and experiencing, breaching the unknown, friends, rain and wind, health, the south, computers and gadgets, documentaries, PBS, southern accents, Oprah, self employment, upliftment, photography, courage and uncertainty, impact, law and policy, community involvement, Change, breaking the rules