Tag Archives: The Diatribe

Building on last year’s success, The 49507 Project embarks on second summer

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By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

Art will be in bloom again this summer on Grand Rapids’ south side.

The 49507 Project, launched in 2021, has lined up another summer of public art, education and listening sessions to change the narrative about the neighborhood in southeast and southwest Grand Rapids and help current residents claim it as their own.

Last summer saw the creation of seven new murals throughout the 49507 ZIP code, mostly at businesses with Black and Brown owners.

“Seven incredibly beautiful murals were brought to life by seven different Black and Brown artists,” said Marcel “Fable” Price, executive director of The Diatribe, the nonprofit that is spearheading the project. “We did mural unveilings for those, and the community really came out and showed up.”

Last year’s murals were painted at La Casa De La Cobija, Public Thread, Boost Mobile, 40 Acres Headquarters, The South East Market, Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses and The Old Goat.

“I think we all had our eyes opened to our neighborhood in a way  that we didn’t see before,” Price said. “More importantly, we showed people that projects like this are possible, and that we can make our neighborhoods look like we live here.”

The 49507 Project is being funded by a coalition of nearly a dozen businesses, foundations, neighborhood groups and city organizations. It is slated to run through 2023.

As part of the project, Petersen Research Consultants conducted a survey of community attitudes both before and after The 49507 Project began to assess whether perceptions of the neighborhood might change. According to a news release, a survey after the first year showed that residents felt the art represented how “we see things – colorful, vibrant, and a beautiful side of our culture.”

Business owners reported an improvement in perceptions of the neighborhood and saw increased foot traffic, the survey showed. Media results revealed an increase in positive news stories about the 49507 ZIP code within a year.

This summer, eight more murals are in the works and should be completed by August, Price said. They will be painted at the following locations:

  • Samaria J’s Salon Suite, 701 Grandville Ave SW 
  • Load A Spud, 1721 Madison Ave SE 
  • Farmers Insurance, 2435 Eastern Ave SE 
  • Mr. B’s Party Store, 1216 Kalamazoo Ave SE 
  • Aleman Auto Repair, 1801 Division Ave S. 
  • Cisneros Tires, 800 Division Ave S. 
  • 1956 Eastern Ave. 
  • 1935 Eastern Ave.

Art is just one aspect of the 49507 project. Listening sessions for both adults and young people were held last year, and several more of those events have already taken place this spring.

Educational sessions at Ottawa Hills High School, the Southwest Community Campus and Grand Rapids Public Museum School taught young people about the history of their neighborhoods, including the history of redlining, and about their fair housing rights.

Organizers hope that the 49507 Project will have a positive reach and if all goes well may extend into the Wyoming and Kentwood communities. (Supplied)

“We encourage them to get involved civically in their neighborhoods and teach them about ways that they can create change, get involved in the community and really share their voice and opinions,” Price said.

He said one of the things they have learned from listening sessions is that young people are looking for more activities in their neighborhoods. They’d love to see an amphitheater for concerts, and just more things to do in general.

In the community listening sessions, Price said he hears elders talk about all the programming and activities available for young people in days gone by.

“Now, when it comes summertime and there’s violence, we’re so up in arms, like ‘Why is this happening?’” he said. “We’re not continuing to offer programs, solutions, outlets, and invest in the community in the way we have in different points in time.”

Anyone who would like to get involved in The 49507 Project can learn more about volunteer opportunities and events on the website at thediatribe.org/the49507project/.

Price also encourages people to spread the word about the project on social media, and visit the area often.

“Come and enjoy the art but also support the businesses,” he said. “There’s some incredible food and incredible culture in our neighborhood, so please, immerse yourself.”

KDL poetry slam gives area students a voice in what they are facing

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

If you would like to get some insight as to what area teenagers are facing today, then you might want tot head to the Kent District Library’s Teen Poetry Slam set for Thursday, April 26.

 

The third year for the event, which is at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the students use the written word to cover an array of topics, according to KDL Teen Paraprofessional Greg Lewis.

 

“It’s a gamut of subject matter,” Lewis said. “It’s from walks in beautiful nature to sharing their story and what struggles they are going through.”

 

Oh, and there is aways a couple poems on broken hearts, he said.

 

“We are just glad that they are sharing,” Lewis said.

 

The purpose of the Find Your Voice poetry slam — as the name implies — is to give area teenagers an opportunity to share their voice. The event is hosted by The Diatribe, a non-profit organization that uses poetry as a catalyst to empower youth, combat bullying, inspire students to speak up for each other, strengthen public speaking skills and open their eyes to the struggles of their peers.

 

Marcel ‘Fable’ Price, a member of the Diatribe, looks forward to the Poetry Slam every year. “It’s not the competition part of it, but the part where kids from all over the county stand on stage cheering each other on. Students from different backgrounds, experiences and of all different ethnicities lifting each other up — listening to the stories of their peers. Seeing the looks of accomplishment, joy and pride on these students’ faces is what we absolutely enjoy the most.”

 

To be part of the slam, students had to have submitted a poem in the KDL’s 15th annual poetry contest earlier this year. The contest had more than 300 poems entered by more than 200 students from all over the county. All who submitted were invited to participate in the slam. New this year, the slam will be divided into two categories — 6th-8th grade students will go first, followed by students in grades 9-12. Local poets and dignitaries will serve as judges and winners will receive a gift card to Meijer. 

 

“Last year, the house was full and there wasn’t an empty seat in the place,” Lewis said. In the end, it isn’t about winning, Lewis said, adding it is like Marcel said, seeing the students support each other and cheer each other on.

 

The Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch of Kent District Library presents its third annual Teen Poetry Slam at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. Recent submitters to KDL’s Teen Poetry Contest will share their poems. The library is located at 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

KDL starts accepting submissions for its annual poetry contest

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The Diatribe performs April 20 at the KDL Kentwood Branch.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Since 1996, April has been National Poetry Month and there is probably no better way to celebrate than by encouraging creativity and developing interest in poetry by hosting a teen poetry contest which is exactly what the Kent District Library will do again this year with its 14th Annal Find Your Voice: 2017 Teen Poetry Contest and Spoken Word Competition.

 

“We truly believe in giving students a place to express their creativity, and the poetry contest is just one of many offerings,” said KDL Kentwood Branch Teen Parapro Greg Lewis.

 

The poetry celebration starts to tonight with a book signing by Fable the Poet at 6:30 p.m. at the KDL Kentwood branch, 4950 Breton SE, which is hosting all of the KDL poetry competition events.

 

Fable the Poet, Kelsey May, Rachel Gleason, Shawn Moore, and G. Foster II make up the local spoken work The Diatribe which partnered with KDL last year to bring a spoken word component to the competition which was a popular addition.

 

“Since KDL’s partnership with The Diatribe began, many students who may not normally speak up, have found a safe comfortable environment in which to participate,” Lewis said. “Last year the Spoken Word competition was an enormous success, loud, raucous, and totally accepting with nearly 40 participants.”

 

The Diatribe will once again conduct workshops in area schools leading up to the event, which Lewis said he believes will help make this year’s event even more exciting.

 

The Find Your Voice: 2017 Teen Poetry Contest and Spoken Word Competition officially kicks off tomorrow when all of the KDL branches will start accepting submissions . Kent County residents in grades 6-12 have until April 30 to submit a poem. Each person may submit up to two poems.

 

All those who submit a poem are eligible to participate in the 2nd Annul Find Your Voice Teen Poetry Slam, which is May 18 at the KDL Kentwood Branch. Twenty winners, 10 in the juried contest and 10 in the spoken word contest, will each receive a $50 Meijer gift card. Juried winners will be notified prior to May 15.

 

To help get things rolling, the Spring into Poetry with The Diatribe, which features a performance by The Diatribe, will be April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the KDL Kenwood Branch.

 

For complete guidelines for the Fine Your Voice: 2017 Teen Poetry Contest and Spoken Word Competition, click here. For information on other KDL programs, visit www.kdl.org.

Poetry Slam Competition makes its way to Kentwood Library

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poetry slam
Spoken word poetry slam competition to be held at Richard L. Root Kentwood Branch Library

By: Barri Tiggle

 

Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch library is hosting its first live and uncensored spoken word poetry slam competition on Tuesday, May 17 from 7-8 pm.

 

There were up to 300 entries from Kent county residents between the grades of 6 through 12. The event is free and open to all general public. The event was created based on the original 13th Annual Teen Poetry Contest held at the KDL branch.

 

“We decided to add a spoken word component in an effort to breathe a little life into the event, and hopefully attract a segment of kids who otherwise have no outlet for their creativity,” said Greg Lewis KDL Teen Paraprofessional.

 

Poets are supposed to submit their work online in hopes of being selected. “We amped it up to get more teens involved,” said Carlita Gonzalez, KDL Program and Outreach Specialist.

 

There are two different categories for the competition, which are written and spoken word. Any submissions are automatically added into the competition.

 

“GF Korreck will be judging the written portion only,” said Kelsey May, a member of The Diatribe Staff. The Diatribe is an organization used to empower individuals through written and spoken word. Their values consist of helping others cope with challenges and struggles, while finding their own voice and story through the use of poetry. The Diatribe will be participating in the KDL poetry slam event as the master of ceremonies, also known as emcees.

 

Each winner will be given a prize. The prizes given away are centered on a book and music theme and will be provided by Schuler Books. 20 winners will be chosen, ten from the written portion and ten from the spoken word, and given a $50 gift card. All winning entries will be showcased on the KDL website’s Teen page. As of right now the event is not set as an annual event.

 

“As long as there is interest, we hope to offer this event, we are definitely planning on next year,” said Lewis.

 

The entire event is in correlation to as well as funded by KDL READS. For more information on the KDL poetry slam event or upcoming events with The Diatribe please visit kdl.org or thediatribe.org.

Local spoken word poets featured at upcoming KDL Kentwood advance

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Local spoken word group The Diatribe will be at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch April 21.
Local spoken word group The Diatribe will be at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch April 21.

Marcel Price, better known as Fable the Poet, understands how powerful words can be. When strung together, they can be hurtful, he acknowledges, but they can also be liberating.

 

“Recently, I was working with students [at a local high school] and we were talking about domestic violence and this boy in the class offered to share up one of his poems,” said Fable the Poet, who is one of the founding members of the local spoken work poet group The Diatribe. The Diatribe will be at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch April 21. “I was like, ‘OK, everybody, let’s clap him up, he is going to share with us.”

 

As the young man stood there telling his story, and tears, about knowing and facing domestic violence, the room became quiet.

 

“Afterwards, students came up and gave him a hug and that in the end is what it is about,” Fable the Poet said. “It is teaching that there are a lot of issues but that many are facing the same issues and through those issues there is a feeling of unity.”

 

For the past several years, The Diatribe, which includes Fable the Poet, Kelsey May, Rachel Gleason, Shawn Moore and G Foster II, have been working with area high schools and students, showing them how spoken word poetry can be used as a catalyst to talk about the issues going on in a person’s life.

 

“We focus on trust,” Fable the Poet said about getting students to standup and openly share their poetry with a group of their peers. “We tell them that we are going to be vulnerable  with them and that they need to be vulnerable with us. We make sure they understand that everything we do is transparent.”

 

The spoken word poetry movement has certainly taken a foothold within the United States  punctuated by Sarah Kay’s “If I Should Have A Daughter” at a 2011 TEDx. The spoken word art form can include hip-hop, jazz poetry, poetry slams, traditional poetry readings, some comedy routines and prose monologues.

 

Because of its popularity, the Kent District Library added a spoken word component to its annual teen poetry contest. Students in grades 6 -12 can enter up to three poems by April 30. Judges will select 10 winners with all entrants eligible for the spoken word competition on May 17 at the KDL Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Rd. SE. Ten winners will be selected from the spoken word competition with all winners receiving a $50 gift card from Schuler Books & Music. For complete details, click here.

 

As part of the spoken word contest, The Diabrite has partnered up with KDL, hosting workshops in about 12 to 14 area schools which included Kentwood’s Pinewood Elementary School and Kelloggsville Discovery Alternative High School. The partnership culminates with the KDL Reads: Spring into Poetry with The Diatribe Thursday, April 21 from 7 – 8 p.m. at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch, 4950 Breton SE.

 

“This is the first time we have partnered with KDL,” Fable the Poet said, adding that the collaboration has been amazing with hopes of expanding the project to more schools next year.

 

For more about the KDL’s 2016 Find Your Voice Teen Poetry Contest and Spoken Word Competition, visit KDL’s website.  The April 21 event with The Diatribe is free and open to the public.

 

 

Poetry Group Inspires Students to Mix Words, Share Experience

Area Education, , ,

by Erin Albanese

The Diatribe members, Shawn Michael Moore, G. Foster II and Marcel Fable Price, listen to Kelloggsville High School students present their work.
The Diatribe members, Shawn Michael Moore, G. Foster II and Marcel Fable Price, listen to Kelloggsville High School students present their work.

Words tumble and flow, punctuated by emotion. Fingers snap rhythmically in the classroom as verses come full circle. It is poetry, raw, unnerving and real, and it’s coming from Kelloggsville High School students.

“When you write something down, you’re writing because you want someone to read it and to get those thoughts out there,” said Daniel Delosh, who won fourth place in the school’s recent Poetry Slam for a piece about his mother. “I plan to keep writing poetry. It’s a very therapeutic thing to do. You can write your thoughts down without opposition.”

Inspired by a group of unlikely mentors, students are digging deep into their personal histories, backgrounds and identities and emerging as wordsmiths. Indeed, the poetry in English teacher Jennifer Sadler’s class has stepped way outside the box of standard iambic pentameter, couplets and ballads. Students are developing their own styles to tell of relationships, hardships and life’s many challenges.

Perhaps mo st astounding, said Sadler, is that the students present and listen to each other, unabashed and supportive.

“It makes my kids feel like they’re not alone,” Sadler said. “As a result they have more respect for each other. It makes them more empathetic, and it creates more of a family feeling overall.”

Spoken-Word Poets Share Their Craft

Members of The Diatribe, a spoken-word poetry group, have transformed Sadler’s poetry unit from teacher-led and traditional into hipster cool. The professional poets said stringing together words into creative expression is their calling and a way to make a difference in young peoples’ lives.

The Grand Rapids-based group, including G. Foster II, Marcel Fable Price, Rachel Gleason and Shawn Michael Moore, spends evenings weaving words during spoken-word nights at Stella’s Lounge downtown and Hookah Lounge in Eastown. But they also have spent many full school days volunteering in Sadler’s class and at 54th Street Academy, the district’s alternative high school.

Marcel Fable Price addresses his younger brother in a poem about abuse.
Marcel Fable Price addresses his younger brother in a poem about abuse.

The partnership culminated in the Poetry Slam, when 36 students braved their way onstage to read their work in front of professional judges and 300 students.

“Mind blown,” was The Diatribe poet Shawn Michael Moore’s response to students’ work. “These kids are exponentially past where I was at this age.”

The Diatribe formed two years to create an ArtPrize exhibit. Mainstays in the local poetry scene, members have diverse backgrounds and styles, and their work ranges from lyrical to rap-influenced, with internal rhyme and free flow. Their poems tell of personal experiences: being bullied, coming out as gay in a conservative town, abuse. They’ve learned that everywhere they go, someone can relate.

“The beauty of it is that we are diverse, and there’s someone out of our collective that will connect with each student,” G Foster II said.

Rachel Gleason said helping students feel comfortable being themselves motivates her.

“These children are going to be the future of poetry and obviously the future in general,” Gleason said. “If you feel like you had any part in them learning to open up, that’s the most important thing to me.”

Relating to Each Other

Sadler said when even the most quiet of her students hear The Diatribe and then other classmates, they become more willing to share. Much of that has to do with the bond the group has created.

Shawn Michael Moore recites his poem about a fourth-grade bully.
Shawn Michael Moore recites his poem about a fourth-grade bully.

“The Diatribe come in dressed like the students, talking like them, but showing how to articulate your words and showing how to present yourself in an educated way,” Sadler said.

She is working to find funding sources to pay for an after-school writing workshop with The Diatribe next school year. So far, they have never been paid for their time with the students.

The poets hope to increase their involvement in other schools as well, and are seeking support from non-profits or other sources.

Student Alexandrea Groters, who won third place in the Poetry Slam, said working with the poets has impacted her life.

“It was nice because it felt like stuff was getting off my shoulders and I was telling my mom more things. That felt good,” Alexandrea said. “They showed that even adults go through tough times, and even though you do, you have to get back up.”