Wendy Angulo Productions
Hey folks!!
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! It’s Monday again, the start of the workweek. Why don’t we spruce things up and let me share with you my latest interview with Poet Roya Marsh? Shall we? You will not be disappointed. Roya Marsh is one of the poets who will be part of Canvas of Words ‘Preserving Our Roots’ showcase!
When I first heard Roya Marsh on the stage. I was floored, left in awe! Her stage presence and delivery is palpable. You can feel every line like boom, boom, boom! Sinking deep within leaving you wanting to hear more. Her poetry is raw and gritty and vulnerable and the truth! I don’t want to elaborate too much because you will have to see for yourself what I am talking about. Like I said you will not be disappointed!
I was able to ask her three questions and here is what she had to share. Enjoy!!!
Beauty, Brains, and Blogging: For those that may not know of your many talents, please let us know about yourself, the work you do, and your poetry?
Roya Marsh: My name is Saroya Marsh. I am a preschool teacher and spoken word poet from the Bronx, NY. I’m a graduate of Iona College and am currently working on my MFA in Creative Writing at Manhattanville. I am currently the 2013-14 Inspired Word Slam Master Jam Champion and the 2014 Nuyorican Grand Slam Champ. I have been obsessed with writing since I could hold a pen and it’s an honor for me to be able to share my passion with the youth through Spoken Word workshops and mentoring.
BBB: Being part of the NYC poetry scene you have preformed in many venues and continue to do so and know it quite well! So, how did you hear of Wendy Angulo Productions/Canvas of Words and the impact it has made in the poetry community? And what led you to be part of the upcoming show?
R.M.: I don’t even remember where I met Wendy. What I do know is that she has had my back since the first moment we spoke. Although I am not a Queens native, Wendy has held me down and welcomed me into her artistic family on several occasions. It is an honor to be a part of her growing community and to share a stage with artists who are working toward a greater good!
BBB: Preserving Our History is an important theme. In your poetry you speak of how history has impacted the way we live now, can you expand on this?
R.M.: Everything I write is a direct result of the things that I have learned, witnessed and experienced. I have been told stories of my ancestors since I was a little child and growing older researched more on my own. Learning how much they struggled and conquered inspires me to continue to grow in knowledge so that I may fight against the injustices of the present day. It pains me that classism and racism are still major struggles centuries later. Preserving of roots involves more than just knowing history. It’s about continuing the efforts of change of those before you. My poetry is a flashback and a push forward into the future all at once.
‘Saroya Marsh works as a preschool teacher and youth mentor, but has always had a passion for writing. As a spoken word poet she brings a heartfelt intensity and deep beliefs to the stage, brandishing a saber of light that will penetrate those dark pockets of prejudice, injustice, and hurt, that lay buried deep within each of us. She was a finalist in the 2013 Poetry Idol, 2013 Inspired Word Slam Master Jam Champion and 2014 Nuyorican Grand Slam Champion. She has been featured at these venues and others, including colleges, in PA, DC and the tristate area. Saroya has hopes that her poems will spark a mind of change.’
Roya Marsh is doing it all! We need educators and poets like her who want to inspire change through poetry. Be sure to watch her at this year’s Canvas of Words ‘Preserving Our Roots’ a Queens Poetry and Arts Festival October 11! More info on the flyer below. 😉
Get your tickets!
