Spoken word and hip-hop artist La’Starr presented She Is Poetry Sunday at the Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd.
The all-female showcase features local up-and-coming and seasoned spoken word artists from across the metro area, La’Starr said, some of whom have gained national recognition.
“Poetry is not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle for them,” La’Starr said.
“It’s their bread and water.”
The lineup included Lightning, X Blu Rayne, Ree Cee, Sistah Taraji, Emcee,and Sista Sol with sounds by DJ NatUral. Many of the poets in the line up have gotten their start at Legacy participating in urban poetry open mic nights and poetry slams.
With her orange acoustic guitar in hand, singer and songwriter Journii Walker kicked things off with a soulful rendition of Boyz II Men’s “Mama” and the original song “Scared” about a woman afraid to fall in love again. Walker’s musical selections fit this year’s theme about strength, sacrifice, and survival.
Legendary FoFeet dedicated a short piece to the more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist group Boko Haram. La’Starr said poetry can be used to empower and change lives and that the art form should not be taken lightly.
“We are their freedom. We are their peace. We are their connection to life,” FoFeet said.
La’Starr said St. Louis’ poetry community is diverse and innovative like spoken word artist Ree Cee who X Blu Rayne said moves people with her words.
“She really takes you on a journey through what she’s telling you,” X Blu
Rayne said. “She leads you to a better place.”
Ree Cee’s second piece “Six years” took the audience on a journey of survival. It gave the audience a glance into the eyes of a rape survivor.
And for a long time, she said, it was hard performing it in public. She said she does not fear her own truth and shares her “secret” with other women such as herself.
“We are not victims! We are survivors!” Ree Cee repeated. “No longer will be the keepers of your dirty little secrets.”
Ree Cee shared the stage with her nine-year-old daughter Gabby who recited the poem “Daddy leaves me.” Through tears, she spoke of losing her father at 3 years old to the penitentiary.
“The first time I performed on a stage,” Gabby said. “No daddy there. No daddy anywhere. At least not for me.”
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