The meeting saw a introduction by Charles Trot, a visual artist and founder of Diasporic Images of Africa, who emphasized Africa’s historical significance and the shared humanity of all people. His notable assertion that “there’s only how many races? One. So if you’re human, that’s the only race there is—the human race,” resonated throughout the meeting.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, Trot introduced several women poets and artists, including Nicole Fowler, Samira Shabbaz Balo, Vanessa, and Felicia Simmons. Each shared their unique journey and connection to the arts, with Fowler describing her work as a healing tool and Balo highlighting her international poetry group, When Women Speak. Vanessa expressed her excitement about an upcoming children’s book, while Simmons reflected on her poetry as moments of inspiration rather than dedication.

The artists collectively explored their work’s connection to the African diaspora, sharing personal narratives of growing up amidst racial challenges and the desire to create uplifting narratives. Simmons recounted her experiences in predominantly white schools and the isolation of being one of the few black students, while Vanessa spoke about countering negative portrayals of the black community in her art. The dialogue underscored a shared commitment to reclaiming histories and conveying positive narratives.

The public comment section further delved into themes of ancestry and identity, with a speaker connecting their lineage from Guinea-Bissau through the Caribbean to New Jersey. They emphasized a shared humanity that transcends labels, advocating for the articulation of both positive and negative experiences as essential to understanding history. Their reflections on DNA testing and the exploration of personal narratives highlighted the importance of identity beyond biological ties.

The emotional weight of poetry was a recurring theme, with participants reciting works that encapsulated the complexities of identity, societal perceptions, and personal loss. One poem, “20 things to call a black boy from a mother’s heart,” notablely addressed societal challenges faced by young black males, concluding with the hopeful declaration, “call him son home.” Another poem explored themes of loss and the deep emotional connection between the speaker and their mother, illustrating a journey from childhood confusion to adult appreciation.

Discussions on the significance of storytelling emphasized the role of artists in documenting contemporary experiences and resisting cultural erasure. Participants argued that poets and artists are essential in “writing the history of today as it relates to our experience,” asserting their responsibility to articulate their truths rather than rely on external narratives. The notion of history as a horizontal continuum was introduced, highlighting the interconnectedness of all experiences across time.

The dialogue also touched on the therapeutic aspect of poetry, particularly in addressing childhood trauma. One speaker referenced their work, “Breathing Through Concrete,” which compiles stories of trauma experienced by children. The therapeutic power of poetry was emphasized, with participants encouraging one another to embrace their voices and stories.