it all made sense. The erasure of a black body is consistent. The erasure of a black woman’s work, almost a promise. America has proven that. CUPSI continues to perpetuate the atrocity. This is the moment where I realized I cannot go back to #CUPSI.
against the #CUPSI frame and the administration had no idea what to do. I was asked for clearly, from lead volunteers (stage management & #CUPSI staff) “What should we do Mahogany?”
#CUPSI volunteers and administration wanted to host a town hall in the back of the room,
that #CUPSI administration was not prepared to facilitate. There was a linking of arms, backs turned and young people in outrage rushing the stage. As the young people rushed the stage, I made my way to the back of the stage. The young artists, activists and poets revolted
it was there that I saw exactly what was missing from the adult slam scene. And as a participant of each sector of slam – I felt I had a duty to bring it to the adult scene. Here is where I constantly lose myself.
This past #CUPSI, the creator of slam, generated a conversation
an opportunity to spread the awards and truly keep it community. I believe these awards allow the larger conference to see the voices that may never see a larger stage. I believe the awards ceremony can change the course and kill the cycle).
I remained at #CUPSI because
even though they were on two different “competing” teams. Here the Slam Union was born and so was my purpose.
In the time that I’ve been attended #CUPSI, there were victories and losses. I introduced several events including Penmanship Books Showcases
I write this after watching Marvel’s Black Panther, the film embossed in me a renewed sense of self and a resurgence of to fight. As a community advocate and slam proprietor, I came to #CUPSI from #PSI & #BNV slam conferences with a focus on disabling the ego around slam
#dear #CUPSi coaches: your knowledge and know how is worth so much more than they know. Thank you for giving. And bending. And always.
