“Ride this poetry wave like a bike”-- And civic engagement, too!

by Vismita Holavanahalli

I'm from Philly 

where they shoot in places that bring us joy 

Christmas mornings waking up to gunshots not no lil toy  

“I can’t believe Mommy; it’s Fourth of July already” 

“Don't worry baby. Hold ya lil sister nice and steady”

So many deaths and crimes, it's impossible to fake them…

Rashawn Dorsey, Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate, reads poem written for #VoteThatJawn

So recited Rashawn Dorsey, Philadelphia’s newest Youth Poet Laureate, at the Field Teen Center of the Free Library of Philadelphia. The writing workshop was also a youth civic-engagement event. Most of the teens listening to Dorsey and writing their own poems are too young to vote, but not too young to understand the importance of the issues at stake and at getting involved. Dorsey draws a direct line from poetry to civic engagement: youth grappling with the fear of using their own voices and power.  

Rashawn Dorsey, a Senior at the Academy of Palumbo, made his first appearance as Philadelphia’s Youth Poet Laureate when he performed at Parkway Central Library a month ago after being selected from a competitive pool of applicants. The piece he chose to perform represented his view of Philadelphia and why voting matters to him. I was able to speak with him and his teacher, Ms. Kay, who supported him at the event. Curious about what sparked his interest in civic engagement, I asked the current high school senior what inspired him to speak up. 

“I take social science now,,” he said, “which got me really into it,because we talk about politics a lot and civics….I feel like I use my voice to tell the good and the bad.” 

Dorsey’s response reflected his passion for civic engagement, especially when it comes to addressing issues within his community. This was also shown through the choices he made as he was performing, capturing a distinct style built around his unique voice and experiences. His style of writing was formed with the help of Ms. Kay. Dorsey said this teacher helped him through “hours of writing and writing…she would give me homework prompts…I would talk to her personally and find something that sticks.” A specific aspect of performance and writing he prioritizes is wordplay, which also creates a comfortable environment for him and his audience. Recalling the “[c]laps and applause,” Dorsey realized, “I must be good at this; and I just kept doing it.” 

When asked how she feels teaching both within and beyond the classroom, Ms. Kay explains how her work with spoken word poetry and non-profit displays “[a] nexus of activism and artistry…that art is a really good platform for expression and resistance in different social movements.” As for watching her students grow more comfortable with their voices and potential, “getting to witness that growth and evolution over time is really powerful as a teacher.” 

At the workshop, teens leaned into Rashawn’s poetry and then were prompted to write their own--mixing their own ideas with elements of the Pledge of Allegiance to give voice to their experience and vision of America. Performing their pieces was optional, but seeing Dorsey take the lead as a mentor for younger students gave them insight into what they could make of their own creativity and talents. With a platform like this to start sharing their thoughts, this group of youth left the Trend That Jawn event feeling inspired. 

Dorsey’s poem ends:

To all the kids out there know that it's okay 

Ya’ll got people like me to show you the better way 

All you can do is hope and pray for a toy on Christmas day  

Don’t worry it's alright 

I’m riding this poetry wave like a bike 

When y’all older, you gonna know Shawn did it the way that's right

North Philadelphians, there's still good kids among you  

Remember butterflies and lions are born in the same jungle.”