We recently connected with Kimiko Pw. and have shared our conversation below.
Kimiko, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a BIPOC author, poet, and educator, it’s incredibly important to me to persevere, even when I find myself the only one who looks like me in the room. Despite being the minority in any space, I see it as an opportunity to pursue my passions exactly as I envision them.
I aim to always acknowledge the Most High and the trailblazers who came before me—individuals who reshaped history—for me to have the opportunity to read, write, and achieve what once was historically impossible—writing a book. I want to inspire others who look like me that writing isn’t boring and that it’s not for one demographic, despite what’s taught in the education system.
Writing is freeing; that’s why they killed people who look like me for doing it.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
One of the most exciting parts of being a poet is the community. I have been adopted into a family of poets of all ages that foster the art just as I do. It’s something incredibly warm about sharing work and hearing others share theirs. You invite people into your world, and they allow you into theirs. I’m a part of a writing community in Los Angeles called Community Literature Initiative. They offer a poetry publishing course that I took, and out of that came a new community nationwide as well as my debut poetry collection, Fever Memory.
After the cultivation of Fever Memory, I signed with World Stage Press, and they were a whole other family of authors who helped me along the way. They helped me create, gave me tips, and gave me hope when I didn’t feel like writing.
During this time, I attended Tuskegee University and co-founded an organization with professor Dr. Camille Alexander called Skegee Speaks. The basis of this organization is to foster poetry in a literary desert along the rural cusps of Alabama. We are a collection of 6 cohorts that put on open mic shows and readings at Tuskegee University. This is an ongoing, growing organization for Black Ivy League literary scholars to express themselves.
Now, I host an open mic every Monday via Instagram Live on @pw.writing called The Writing Lab. I have met a plethora of poets, authors, and other creatives around the world because of it. I have created a community that people can come back to and express themselves how they want to and it feels wonderful.
Last but probably most important, you can find my poetry collection, Fever Memory at https://www.worldstagepress.org/product/fever-memory-by-kimiko-white/
Fever Memory is the embodiment of starting over. It represents internalized feelings of uncertainty, yet a new-found hope the size of a mustard seed. It is intended to emphasize the beauty of nature, tribulation, and change. This collection represents the cultivation of a birth that would symbolize the growth of that seed-sized faith that sparked me to find myself again.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In reflecting on my journey as a writer, I’ve found three key elements to be profoundly impactful:
Firstly, authenticity and vulnerability have been essential. Being honest in my writing, and unafraid to delve into my own experiences, has allowed me to connect deeply with my work and my readers. It’s crucial to remain true to oneself and to fearlessly explore the depths of one’s emotions and experiences.
Secondly, faith and resilience have played a significant role. Maintaining even the smallest seed of faith, and staying resilient in the face of challenges, have been instrumental in persevering and continuing to pursue my dreams. Trusting in The Most High, as well as believing in myself, have been foundational aspects of my journey.
Lastly, my connection to nature has been a profound source of inspiration. Finding solace and creativity in the beauty and cyclical changes of the natural world has been incredibly enriching for my poetry.
For those at the beginning of their journey, I would advise them to embrace authenticity in their writing, to stay resilient in the face of setbacks, and to seek inspiration in the world around them. By cultivating these qualities and skills, aspiring poets can develop their craft and create work that is meaningful and resonant.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The Most High, Yahuah, has been my aid, my foundation, my motivation, my confidant, and my biggest supporter not only throughout this journey in poetry but my entire life. All praise and glory to Him. He has allowed me opportunities to excel further than I could have ever imagined. He has given me this gift, and He provides me opportunities to utilize it to the greatest advantage.
He breathed life into me, so how foolish would it be to not announce Him to the world and give Him all the glory?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.worldstagepress.org/product/fever-memory-by-kimiko-white/
- Instagram: pw.writing and kiimikowhite
Image Credits
Lantz Simpson (landscape pic) D Maruyama (b&w pic)
