WEBVTT 00:01.466 --> 00:04.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% By the River is brought to you in part by 00:04.633 --> 00:06.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% the University of South Carolina Beaufort 00:06.900 --> 00:09.566 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% learning in action, discovered. 00:10.733 --> 00:12.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Community Foundation of the Low Country 00:12.100 --> 00:13.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% strengthening community 00:16.700 --> 00:21.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USCB. 00:21.266 --> 00:23.133 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% The Pat Conroy Literary Center 00:25.733 --> 00:27.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% Artistic Flower Shop. 00:31.466 --> 00:34.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Born in Las Vegas, Nevada and educated at the 00:34.333 --> 00:37.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% University of South Carolina in Journalism 00:37.200 --> 00:40.300 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% Marcus Amaker comes from a family of poets 00:40.400 --> 00:42.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% who invest in their communities. 00:43.000 --> 00:46.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% As Charleston's first poet laureate, Gaillard 00:46.100 --> 00:49.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Center's Artist in Residence, and winner of 00:49.133 --> 00:51.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% the South Carolina Humanities Fresh Voice, 00:52.066 --> 00:55.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Marcus explored creative freedom in his newest collection 00:55.266 --> 00:57.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% of poems, 'The Birth of All Things.' 00:58.000 --> 01:01.000 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% I'm Holly Jackson, join us as we bring you powerful 01:01.100 --> 01:03.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% stories from both new and established Southern 01:03.733 --> 01:06.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% authors, as we sit By The River. 01:07.600 --> 01:45.366 align:left position:50%,start line:93.33% size:50% ♪ 01:45.466 --> 01:47.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% Hi, I'm Holly Jackson, thank you so much for 01:47.900 --> 01:50.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% joining us here on By The River. This is season 01:50.433 --> 01:53.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% here in our Beaufort waterfront studio. 01:53.733 --> 01:56.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% We're so glad to have you back. Let's get right into it. 01:56.933 --> 01:58.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% Marcus Amaker from Charleston, thank you so 01:58.766 --> 02:01.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% much for coming and driving over here to Beaufort 02:01.633 --> 02:04.433 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% to see us. Yeah. We're excited. You have a lot going on 02:04.533 --> 02:06.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% because you have this new book and also you have that 02:06.800 --> 02:09.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% sort of new baby. So tell us a little bit about 02:09.666 --> 02:12.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% first of all this book and how it stands out 02:12.166 --> 02:15.100 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% among the rest. Yes, so this is my eighth 02:15.200 --> 02:19.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% book. And it started out as an album actually. 02:19.266 --> 02:23.400 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% The title and the concept of it came to me when I 02:23.500 --> 02:27.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% first heard my daughter's heart beat. So, we went to 02:27.100 --> 02:30.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% the ultrasound and I heard the heartbeat. 02:30.133 --> 02:34.866 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% And I sampled it and made some music around it. And when 02:34.966 --> 02:37.533 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% I first heard the heartbeat, all of these 02:37.633 --> 02:41.533 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% emotions, all these things came up for me. 02:41.633 --> 02:45.866 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% Obviously joy, and all types of 02:45.966 --> 02:48.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% realizations of what it means to be a dad and 02:48.933 --> 02:53.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% what it could mean to be a dad and 02:53.100 --> 02:55.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% raise somebody in this whole society that we're in 02:56.066 --> 02:59.633 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% and that's sort of swirling with chaos. But also 02:59.733 --> 03:03.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% there's a lot of anxiety that came up too. 03:03.700 --> 03:06.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% So, the title came to me during that when I was 03:06.800 --> 03:10.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% making music for The Birth of All Things and 03:10.133 --> 03:13.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% then when I started to write about it, I started 03:13.100 --> 03:16.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% to develop a concept that I wanted to write a lot 03:17.066 --> 03:21.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% of "dad" poems just all those emotions. 03:21.166 --> 03:23.133 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% But then I started to really expand 03:23.233 --> 03:25.933 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% into some other subjects that 03:26.033 --> 03:28.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I've been writing about whether, it be social 03:28.533 --> 03:31.400 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% justice, but also some other 03:31.500 --> 03:33.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% things that I haven't written about in a while. 03:33.366 --> 03:36.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% So, music and my favorite musicians, 03:36.900 --> 03:41.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% some experimental poetry style, things like that. 03:41.100 --> 03:43.933 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% So, it really The Birth of All Things, really is 03:44.033 --> 03:48.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% about all things, putting all of my styles into one book. 03:48.433 --> 03:51.100 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% But growing from that heart beat 03:51.200 --> 03:54.133 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% you know everything started there. 03:54.233 --> 03:58.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Let's back way up to the birth of Marcus Amaker, 03:58.966 --> 04:02.166 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% as a writer. When did that all begin? As a writer 04:02.266 --> 04:06.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that started when I was probably like negative 04:06.500 --> 04:08.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% twenty years old. I think it was just part 04:08.500 --> 04:11.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% of my - part of my fiber. But I really 04:11.566 --> 04:14.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% started to write when I was around ten years old. 04:14.500 --> 04:18.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% That was when I had an awareness of music. 04:18.533 --> 04:22.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Really, deeply listening to music not just having 04:22.166 --> 04:23.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% it in the background. 04:23.966 --> 04:26.300 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% My parents still have a lot of vinyl 04:26.400 --> 04:27.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% and a lot of music around 04:27.833 --> 04:31.200 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% their house. And I have that as well. And I remember 04:31.300 --> 04:35.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% when I was ten years old seeing Prince records 04:35.133 --> 04:37.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% for the first time and just opening up the gate 04:37.366 --> 04:41.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% fold and seeing all of the lyrics and smelling 04:41.266 --> 04:43.633 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% the right, the vinyl and listening to 04:43.733 --> 04:46.566 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% the music. And I wanted to do that. So I started to 04:46.666 --> 04:49.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% write songs and that was around ten years old. 04:49.266 --> 04:50.900 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Is this something that runs in the family? 04:51.000 --> 04:52.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% Or are you the first? 04:52.333 --> 04:54.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% No, it definitely runs in the family. 04:54.533 --> 04:57.933 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% I'm actually related to Norman Amaker 04:58.033 --> 05:02.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% who was a big figure for the Civil Rights 05:02.500 --> 05:06.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Movement. And he wrote a few books as well. 05:06.466 --> 05:09.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% It's funny I found that out later on. So, it's just 05:09.933 --> 05:13.133 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% this unconscious thread that is with us. 05:13.233 --> 05:17.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% And my dad writes too. Well, I stumbled upon the 05:17.533 --> 05:20.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% The Big Butt. Yeah that was, the first thing that I did. 05:20.700 --> 05:22.566 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Was it? Yeah. The very first thing I did. 05:22.666 --> 05:25.000 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% I saw the cassette and that's the actual cassette 05:25.100 --> 05:26.166 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% you wrote on and everything 05:26.266 --> 05:28.266 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Yeah. So, I remember doing the same thing, 05:28.366 --> 05:30.600 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% sitting by with a microphone and I probably 05:30.700 --> 05:33.833 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% sing Amazing Grace or something over and over, but - 05:33.933 --> 05:36.000 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% It wasn't Big Butt" for you. It wasn't "Big Butt" 05:36.100 --> 05:39.766 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% but I loved it. I loved it. 05:39.866 --> 05:43.700 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% And you put it in the top. Yeah. At the beginning of this 05:43.800 --> 05:46.700 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% book, I list all of my works. 05:46.800 --> 05:50.100 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% So, yeah, I think to honor that kid, you know, I 05:50.200 --> 05:52.766 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% have to keep talking about that because there 05:52.866 --> 05:56.066 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% are so many people now 05:56.166 --> 05:59.333 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% whatever age there that are 05:59.433 --> 06:02.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% you know, creating music and stuff. And there's 06:02.166 --> 06:05.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% more tools now to do that stuff, than there was when I 06:05.533 --> 06:08.000 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% was younger, so. So, let's talk about that one 06:08.100 --> 06:10.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% specifically. I mean I can already tell. I'm sure 06:11.066 --> 06:13.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% everybody who hears it, you know there's a gift 06:13.700 --> 06:15.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% whenever, you hear that reading. 06:15.466 --> 06:17.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Really, I mean of course it's a funny subject 06:17.533 --> 06:20.133 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% but at what point did maybe 06:20.233 --> 06:22.200 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% mom or dad pick up on maybe we've got 06:22.300 --> 06:26.733 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% something going here. We need to, Wow! I think that they 06:26.833 --> 06:31.033 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% just kind of naturally knew and they always encouraged it. 06:31.133 --> 06:35.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I think back to how I was making - and I still make a 06:35.666 --> 06:37.800 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% lot of music, but definitely when I was 06:37.900 --> 06:40.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% younger, it was almost every like week or 06:40.566 --> 06:43.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% something, I had a new song. And you know and I'm 06:43.533 --> 06:46.366 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% ten, eleven years old and I remember playing it for 06:46.466 --> 06:49.100 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% my parents. And they aren't the best songs in the 06:49.200 --> 06:51.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% world but they are always encouraging and 06:52.033 --> 06:54.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% and never really told me, "maybe you should" 06:54.333 --> 06:57.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% "do something else or whatever." I was always 06:57.133 --> 07:00.066 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% creating and they bought a keyboard for me, 07:00.166 --> 07:02.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that I still have and my daughter's playing it. 07:02.366 --> 07:04.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% She's eight - I know you love that. 07:04.366 --> 07:05.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% Yeah. It's really cool. 07:05.466 --> 07:07.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% She's eight months old, just kind of bangs on it 07:07.900 --> 07:10.400 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% but it's cool, I was always 07:10.500 --> 07:12.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% encouraged to create and there was always 07:12.733 --> 07:15.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% something in the house that could create with. 07:16.033 --> 07:18.666 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% Oftentimes when I speak with authors, they 07:18.766 --> 07:21.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% talk about this kind of circle of friends, but then 07:21.433 --> 07:24.333 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% that author community that they kind of lean on to 07:24.433 --> 07:26.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% be a critic of their writing and that sort of thing. 07:27.066 --> 07:29.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Do you have that as a poet, as well? 07:29.833 --> 07:32.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% It comes in waves. When I first moved to Charleston 07:32.433 --> 07:36.233 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% in 2003, there was a really 07:36.333 --> 07:40.033 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% vibrant community for open mic. 07:40.133 --> 07:43.900 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% So, it was almost every night of the week. So, I hustled 07:44.000 --> 07:46.500 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% and I just went to all these things. And a lot 07:46.600 --> 07:49.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% of times I would just sit on the back and take 07:49.266 --> 07:53.066 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% notes and stuff like that. So, there was a lot of 07:53.166 --> 07:56.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% learning from those experiences. And I think 07:56.200 --> 08:00.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% unconsciously I was getting my butt kicked by 08:00.166 --> 08:03.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% a lot of different poets. And it really helped me 08:03.233 --> 08:06.200 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% you know become a better poet. And then 08:06.300 --> 08:09.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% when I started getting on the microphone and 08:09.200 --> 08:11.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% starting to connect with a lot of them, then 08:11.700 --> 08:14.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I really started to make a personal 08:14.733 --> 08:18.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% connections and stuff. I think it's easy now to be 08:18.366 --> 08:22.666 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% disconnected through social media 08:22.766 --> 08:24.633 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% and all that, especially now with 08:24.733 --> 08:27.866 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% the pandemic going on. So, I really miss 08:27.966 --> 08:31.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% those, that sense of community when you're 08:31.800 --> 08:35.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% with a bunch of poets, you can sit and talk. 08:35.366 --> 08:38.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% We used to have bi weekly open mics and writing 08:39.033 --> 08:41.500 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% sessions and things like that. So, right now, 08:41.600 --> 08:44.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I'm really missing that. I'm in my own head a lot, 08:44.966 --> 08:48.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% which I'm fine with but it would be nice to 08:48.300 --> 08:51.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% go out and get some different experiences, but 08:51.500 --> 08:56.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% yeah I do have some people that I can call on who 08:56.366 --> 08:59.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% are really, really amazing writers and I learn 08:59.700 --> 09:03.133 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% from them a lot. In several interviews that 09:03.233 --> 09:06.766 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% as I was kind of researching you, I noticed 09:06.866 --> 09:09.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that several times you mentioned kind of the 09:09.733 --> 09:13.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% dislike of social media and how it can, 09:13.833 --> 09:15.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% what it can do to us, the cell phone and 09:15.966 --> 09:17.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% everything and people walking around looking at 09:17.633 --> 09:20.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% their cell phones and all that sort of thing. 09:20.500 --> 09:22.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% And I appreciate that. However, during this 09:22.566 --> 09:24.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% pandemic, I imagine it's been a real challenge for 09:24.666 --> 09:27.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% you because you had to go to that -Yeah- the whole 09:27.200 --> 09:29.500 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% time. Tell me about the challenge of that and maybe 09:29.600 --> 09:31.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% kind of what you've learned through it all. 09:31.966 --> 09:35.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Yeah, I definitely have and have an 09:35.766 --> 09:38.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% addiction to social media. That's why, I talk 09:38.500 --> 09:41.800 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% about it so much. But I think that there's 09:41.900 --> 09:45.200 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% so much good that can come from it. But also 09:45.300 --> 09:48.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I just think it is a sort of this endless loop that 09:48.833 --> 09:52.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that we're in. I don't know where the ending of 09:53.066 --> 09:56.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% it is. You know. It's just going and going and going. 09:57.000 --> 09:59.266 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% So, I've had to really limit 09:59.366 --> 10:03.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% myself and my interaction 10:04.066 --> 10:06.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% with people through that mean, because I 10:07.033 --> 10:10.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% see how it affects me. I think it takes me away 10:10.366 --> 10:14.733 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% from sort of my higher self. 10:14.833 --> 10:18.800 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% So, when I'm in the middle of writing something or 10:18.900 --> 10:21.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% listening to music, I want to be. I want to have a 10:22.066 --> 10:26.200 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% clear mind. And that to me it doesn't, that isn't 10:26.300 --> 10:30.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% isn't this for everyone. But to me it 10:30.200 --> 10:34.366 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% clouds my mind. You know, so 10:34.466 --> 10:37.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% it's important for me to just be mindful of how 10:37.766 --> 10:40.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% much I'm using it. Have you been writing 10:40.666 --> 10:46.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% about the pandemic much? Well, I'm not sure much 10:46.766 --> 10:49.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% but I've written a few poems about it. 10:49.733 --> 10:52.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I journal about it. That definitely, because I 10:52.266 --> 10:56.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% think that this time in our history is really 10:56.500 --> 10:58.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% important, you know. This is the type of stuff and 10:58.800 --> 11:00.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% they're going to be talking about hundreds 11:00.500 --> 11:03.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% and hundreds of years from now. So, I think 11:03.133 --> 11:06.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% it's important to have a document of this time. 11:06.500 --> 11:10.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Also to work through my feelings through it. I think 11:10.833 --> 11:15.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% a lot of people are feeling scared. 11:15.333 --> 11:17.733 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% A lot of people are really sad during 11:17.833 --> 11:20.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% this time as well. So, anytime those emotions 11:20.366 --> 11:23.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% come up for me, I write about it 11:23.300 --> 11:26.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% in journal form. I'm also going to create some 11:26.900 --> 11:29.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% more music around just the feeling of 11:29.700 --> 11:31.933 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% what's going on right now. There definitely are 11:32.033 --> 11:36.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% times when I've had like panic attacks and stuff 11:36.566 --> 11:39.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that happened recently. They took my daughter out 11:40.000 --> 11:42.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% and they were just a bunch of people around 11:42.433 --> 11:44.633 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% and nobody was distancing. There weren't a lot of 11:44.733 --> 11:48.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% masks on. And it just, it kind of scared me. 11:48.400 --> 11:52.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% So those things the way that I've always handled 11:52.200 --> 11:55.033 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% my emotions is to write them down. It doesn't 11:55.133 --> 11:58.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% necessarily always transform into a poem, 11:58.100 --> 12:01.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% but it can just be a journal entry. 12:01.500 --> 12:05.000 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Yeah. Through your role in Charleston, tell me about 12:05.100 --> 12:06.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% some of the different events that you've been 12:07.000 --> 12:10.533 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% able to do, poetry readings and what are maybe the 12:10.633 --> 12:13.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% ones that stand out as the most meaningful to you. 12:13.466 --> 12:14.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% Yeah it's been a blessing 12:14.966 --> 12:18.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% being a Poet Laureate of Charleston, the first one. 12:18.933 --> 12:23.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I've been asked to write poems about specific events. 12:23.333 --> 12:25.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% I've also been asked to 12:25.633 --> 12:29.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% be in schools, which I have been doing a lot, but 12:29.200 --> 12:31.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% it carries a lot more weight when I'm in the 12:31.533 --> 12:34.833 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% school now, in the classrooms. It's like, "Oh my God! You're" 12:34.933 --> 12:37.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% "the Poet Laureate." At first, they don't 12:37.200 --> 12:40.833 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% know what that means and I then I tell them what it means. 12:40.933 --> 12:43.400 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% So those moments carry the most 12:43.500 --> 12:46.566 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% weight for me is being in schools. 12:46.666 --> 12:49.400 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% I really love that. And that's another thing that I miss 12:49.500 --> 12:54.633 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% about right now as well, being in front of a classroom. 12:54.733 --> 12:57.400 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% But I've always preached that poetry is 12:57.500 --> 13:00.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% so flexible. It can be put in a lot of different 13:01.066 --> 13:02.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% scenarios and a lot of different ways that 13:03.066 --> 13:07.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% people might not expect. So, I've collaborated with 13:07.266 --> 13:10.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% with Wine and Food Festival. I've collaborated 13:10.666 --> 13:13.833 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% with City of Charleston to do 13:13.933 --> 13:16.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% my own festival, where actually you 13:16.433 --> 13:19.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% know poetry is not just readings, it's 13:19.200 --> 13:23.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% public art. It's put on walls and windows and 13:24.033 --> 13:28.200 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% things like that. So, yeah it's been a lot 13:28.300 --> 13:31.066 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% of fun, yeah. I really dig it because you 13:31.166 --> 13:33.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% know like I said it's just a very flexible art 13:33.900 --> 13:36.733 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% form so it can be used in a lot of different ways. 13:36.833 --> 13:39.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Whenever you're giving these I guess assignments, 13:39.133 --> 13:42.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% after certain events, I mean, these often are 13:42.333 --> 13:44.766 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% tragedies and are very 13:44.866 --> 13:48.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% sensitive topics for this area. How do you work with 13:48.266 --> 13:50.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% that? And do you ever have people to say, "Oh! That's" 13:51.066 --> 13:53.466 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% "a little too much." Or how would you handle that if 13:53.566 --> 13:55.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% they did? Tell me - Yeah I haven't had 13:56.033 --> 13:59.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% anybody say that, yet because one of the 13:59.800 --> 14:03.300 align:left position:25%,start line:0% size:75% things that I as a poet, I am an 14:03.400 --> 14:07.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% activist because what I'm doing is 14:07.200 --> 14:09.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% recording you know what's happening in the world 14:09.700 --> 14:13.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% around me. It's just like being a folk singer. 14:13.166 --> 14:17.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% And I've chosen to write non fiction you know? 14:17.466 --> 14:20.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I'm always gonna write about what's happening. 14:20.266 --> 14:24.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% And I think that people are 14:24.200 --> 14:27.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% challenged when they read some of my work because 14:27.633 --> 14:31.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I'm not presenting it in a way that they might 14:32.033 --> 14:34.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% expect. You know, I don't really hit people 14:34.566 --> 14:37.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% on the head with the topics. But I talk about 14:37.733 --> 14:39.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% things in a way. It's almost like I talk 14:40.000 --> 14:44.033 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% about the in between. You know? Like I wrote a poem about 14:44.133 --> 14:46.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% John C. Calhoun statute 14:46.900 --> 14:49.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% and one thing that's interesting to me is when 14:49.566 --> 14:52.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I'm asked to write about that I'm not going to 14:52.233 --> 14:54.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% write about the structure itself. I'm going to write about 14:54.900 --> 14:57.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% sort of the weight of how it feels on the 14:57.666 --> 15:01.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% ground or the energy around it, things like that. 15:01.566 --> 15:03.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% So, I think that a lot of the times when 15:04.066 --> 15:06.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I write about it, it's presented in a way that 15:06.466 --> 15:10.366 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% people feel it differently. Yeah, so, 15:10.466 --> 15:13.966 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% people have been very, very open 15:14.066 --> 15:16.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% to the way that I write 15:16.533 --> 15:20.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% about things. It is heavy for some people to 15:21.033 --> 15:25.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% read. But, it's a part of our life, you know. 15:25.166 --> 15:27.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I think one of the things we have to stop saying 15:27.800 --> 15:30.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% is that these things are difficult. I mean it's we 15:30.966 --> 15:33.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% have to talk about it because it's part of our 15:33.700 --> 15:38.566 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% history. You know, so yeah I find myself 15:38.666 --> 15:42.066 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% not even choosing to write about a certain 15:42.166 --> 15:45.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% topic, I'm just writing about what's happening 15:45.233 --> 15:48.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% in our society. And it has been happening for a 15:48.533 --> 15:51.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% long time. These are fresh scars. And I think about 15:52.066 --> 15:55.566 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% the fact that Emancipation Proclamation 15:55.666 --> 15:57.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% was like a hundred and fifty something years ago. 15:57.766 --> 15:59.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I mean it really was not that long ago. 16:00.000 --> 16:04.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% So, it's important for me to just 16:04.200 --> 16:07.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% write about America. You know? We have a lot of 16:07.266 --> 16:09.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% work to do in this country. 16:10.000 --> 16:13.466 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% How has fatherhood changed you as a writer? 16:13.566 --> 16:19.733 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Yeah fatherhood is amazing. One. It's also tiring. 16:19.833 --> 16:23.400 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% But it's a joyful experience. 16:23.500 --> 16:26.033 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% As a writer, it's made me be 16:26.133 --> 16:29.733 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% more aware of the business 16:29.833 --> 16:33.233 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% side of writing because I want what I'm 16:33.333 --> 16:37.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% doing now to benefit her, years from now. So I, 16:37.633 --> 16:42.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% really tightened up the business aspect of 16:42.233 --> 16:46.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% what I was doing. I write in the same way. 16:46.200 --> 16:49.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Like my process of that is the same way. 16:50.033 --> 16:54.033 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% But I realized I needed to be more aware of owning 16:54.133 --> 16:58.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% my work and being able to benefit from my work, 16:58.700 --> 17:02.100 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% so, you know, three thousand years from now, 17:02.200 --> 17:04.433 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% the business is set up in a way that the 17:04.533 --> 17:07.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% family is going to be benefit from 17:08.066 --> 17:12.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% what I'm doing now. I think prior to Rae coming 17:12.233 --> 17:17.366 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% into my life, I was more 17:17.466 --> 17:20.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% willing to just sort of like let my 17:20.633 --> 17:23.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% like art out there and just sort of test it 17:23.266 --> 17:25.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% out and everything. But, no. I think it's 17:25.133 --> 17:27.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% important to let things out there but also have 17:28.066 --> 17:32.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% like a string tied to all of it, so that I'm 17:32.100 --> 17:35.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% actually gonna benefit from it from a publishing 17:35.666 --> 17:38.800 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% standpoint, and just you know the 17:38.900 --> 17:43.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% property of my work is very important. 17:43.333 --> 17:46.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% So, yes so that was the thing that I did. I started a 17:46.700 --> 17:49.766 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% business. Started a publishing company and 17:49.866 --> 17:53.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% all that after she came because, you 17:53.166 --> 17:56.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% know this can't just be a vanity. This can't just be 17:56.300 --> 17:59.133 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% like a fun project for me. Like this 17:59.233 --> 18:02.966 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% is actually my business. So yeah. 18:03.066 --> 18:06.933 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Let's talk about the cover of the book and how you 18:07.033 --> 18:08.533 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% found this artist which story I like, 18:08.633 --> 18:10.966 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% - Yeah. - and why you chose 18:11.066 --> 18:15.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% this person and the way he looks. Yeah, so I ha an 18:15.333 --> 18:20.033 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% initial design to the book. I design all my 18:20.133 --> 18:23.600 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% books. And I do the visuals. That's just 18:23.700 --> 18:28.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% as important to me as actually the text. So, I had 18:28.300 --> 18:31.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% a cover and then I started writing more 18:31.233 --> 18:33.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% poems and the poems didn't really seem to 18:33.566 --> 18:38.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% reflect the cover. So, ironically I was on Instagram. 18:38.133 --> 18:41.733 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% And I found this artist who does 18:41.833 --> 18:46.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% amazing strong black characters. And I just 18:46.333 --> 18:48.933 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% reached out to him and I said Hey I would love to 18:49.033 --> 18:52.100 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% use this on a book. And I said, 18:52.200 --> 18:55.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% obviously I'll pay for the rights and all that. 18:55.300 --> 18:58.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% And he said yeah. So that was when I was able too go 18:58.700 --> 19:01.800 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% through his feed and kind of pick out which ones 19:01.900 --> 19:05.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I wanted and I did some mockups. In this one, I 19:05.566 --> 19:09.733 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% really liked it because of the boom box that's in 19:09.833 --> 19:12.700 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% the back. Because so much of this 19:12.800 --> 19:16.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% book is infused with music. I write about music 19:16.233 --> 19:19.133 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% a lot. So, it made, it sort of 19:19.233 --> 19:21.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% reminded me of me when I was younger, carrying 19:21.733 --> 19:25.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% around like a tape deck or whatever, always having 19:25.233 --> 19:28.900 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% new music around. So, yes. There's a boom box 19:29.000 --> 19:31.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% in the back there. And that was almost just as 19:31.433 --> 19:34.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% important as the face itself. 19:34.933 --> 19:38.533 align:left position:37.5%,start line:86.67% size:62.5% But also I haven't seen a lot of 19:38.633 --> 19:43.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% really dark faces on art. 19:43.133 --> 19:45.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I think that the tendency is to lighten things up 19:45.800 --> 19:48.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% and I think that it's cool to be just 19:48.433 --> 19:51.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% completely dark and black and know that is a 19:51.533 --> 19:54.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% positive thing. You know, we've been taught that dark is 19:54.800 --> 19:57.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% bad. You know like the light side and dark side 19:57.633 --> 20:01.766 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% things like that. So like black cats are cursed cats. 20:01.866 --> 20:04.500 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% Things like that. So, I was thinking 20:04.600 --> 20:08.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% about that a lot just realizing that being 20:08.166 --> 20:12.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% dark can be a positive thing. Yeah. Tell me about 20:12.233 --> 20:13.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% the timing of your book coming out. 20:14.000 --> 20:16.966 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Was it good or bad for you? This was a time for you when 20:17.066 --> 20:20.366 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% everybody was locked down. Right? Yeah it was actually 20:20.466 --> 20:24.300 align:left position:25%,start line:0% size:75% amazing for me And I didn't plan it that way. 20:24.400 --> 20:29.633 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% I come up with a timelines for a lot of my work a lot. 20:29.733 --> 20:34.133 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% I already have a plan in mind. And then I thought you know 20:34.233 --> 20:36.633 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% what I'm gonna stick to it and just see what 20:36.733 --> 20:39.933 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% happens. And it's weird to realize that I've been 20:40.033 --> 20:44.600 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% benefited from all the lock down stuff. 20:44.700 --> 20:47.300 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% So, people are at home more. 20:47.400 --> 20:50.100 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% And the sales have been great and all that. 20:50.200 --> 20:53.233 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% So, I've just decided I was like 20:53.333 --> 20:56.466 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% you know this is the time for this book to come out. 20:56.566 --> 20:59.433 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% And if it comes out with a thud then 20:59.533 --> 21:02.466 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% that's fine, but the book and the poems 21:02.566 --> 21:06.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% were telling me that they needed to come out now. 21:06.633 --> 21:09.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% So, yeah I decided to pull the trigger 21:09.133 --> 21:13.066 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% on it and it ended up going well. It was a good decision. 21:13.166 --> 21:16.066 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Very nice. Yeah. I noticed you also talk about 21:16.166 --> 21:19.933 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% buying local a lot. Why is all this local so important to you? 21:20.033 --> 21:23.900 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% Yeah, well so, yeah shout out to my wife. 21:24.000 --> 21:27.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% She is a marketing director for a nonprofit 21:28.000 --> 21:30.500 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that deals with you know local businesses 21:30.600 --> 21:33.600 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% and making sure that local community 21:33.700 --> 21:37.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% is uplifted. But I just think that when you 21:37.666 --> 21:40.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% think about what makes a culture, a culture, what 21:40.966 --> 21:43.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% makes a community, a community or a city, 21:44.000 --> 21:46.700 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% a real city, it's actually the in 21:46.800 --> 21:50.166 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% between the things. I hate to even say this 21:50.266 --> 21:53.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% in between but these big businesses are 21:53.733 --> 21:57.766 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% everywhere that you go. So, you can go to any city in 21:57.866 --> 22:00.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% America and there's going to be, 22:00.400 --> 22:04.100 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% you know, Wal-mart. There's going to be a Burger King. 22:04.200 --> 22:06.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% But I think it's when you really find out what the 22:06.766 --> 22:10.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% city is about is when you go to all the local 22:10.366 --> 22:12.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% businesses that are there and that's when you 22:12.800 --> 22:17.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% really get a sense of what a city is, the soul 22:17.433 --> 22:20.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% of a city. Because there are so many cities 22:20.800 --> 22:23.166 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% where everything looks the same 22:23.266 --> 22:25.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% So, I just think that 22:25.933 --> 22:30.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% it's important to know what makes a city 22:30.266 --> 22:32.733 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% special. How would you say that the soul of the city 22:32.833 --> 22:36.400 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% in Charleston especially has taking you in? 22:36.500 --> 22:41.500 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Well, Charleston, I love my city. And I love it and I 22:41.600 --> 22:44.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% love the positive aspects and I love the 22:44.100 --> 22:48.300 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% challenging aspects of it. So, that's a 22:48.400 --> 22:50.966 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% layered question, just because there are so many 22:51.066 --> 22:54.833 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% things about Charleston that are really amazing. 22:54.933 --> 22:57.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I think about the local community in Charleston 22:57.733 --> 23:01.766 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% and artists in the way that we support each other. 23:01.866 --> 23:04.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% But I also think about just the deep, deep racism. 23:04.666 --> 23:10.266 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% Racism is deep in Charleston and the city still 23:10.366 --> 23:13.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% hasn't been able to really properly talk 23:13.966 --> 23:19.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% about that and adequately cook correct it. You know? 23:19.633 --> 23:22.933 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% And the city benefits off of 23:23.033 --> 23:26.633 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% those challenges. I think it's - 23:26.733 --> 23:30.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% I think it's interesting. And the fact that Calhoun 23:30.133 --> 23:32.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% just came down, which is amazing. 23:32.700 --> 23:35.266 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% But people have been trying to get it down for 23:35.366 --> 23:40.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% hundreds of years. And we can't be a just 23:40.933 --> 23:44.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% cit. We can't be a just America, if we keep 23:44.933 --> 23:47.433 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% elevating people who didn't believe in 23:47.533 --> 23:50.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% people's freedom. You know, we have to be 23:50.433 --> 23:53.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% patriotic. You know we have to fight for freedom. 23:53.766 --> 23:56.433 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% So, I even saw the way that 23:56.533 --> 23:59.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that came down. I'm glad that it's down but it was 23:59.366 --> 24:03.900 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% still just. Man, it took too long, you know. 24:04.000 --> 24:06.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% it took too long and it shouldn't. Things like 24:06.700 --> 24:11.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% that should be easy. Because we are supposed 24:11.333 --> 24:15.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% to be a nation of freedom and a nation of like all 24:15.200 --> 24:19.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% men are created equal. Anyway, Charleston, there are 24:19.700 --> 24:22.833 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% a lot of layers to it. I really 24:22.933 --> 24:26.100 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% love, love the city and when I when I write 24:26.200 --> 24:29.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% about it, it is from that deep love like in 24:29.100 --> 24:31.366 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% sickness and in health. Like I have a deep, deep 24:31.466 --> 24:34.166 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% relationship with Charleston, so. 24:34.266 --> 24:36.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% We have been talking about the birth of all 24:36.333 --> 24:38.766 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% things with Marcus Amaker. Thank you for this 24:38.866 --> 24:40.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% conversation. Keep going. I can't believe I 24:40.933 --> 24:44.600 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% heard the timer go off. Wow! That was quick. Everyone we 24:44.700 --> 24:47.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% appreciate you joining us for By the River. 24:47.233 --> 24:49.300 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% It's been a pleasure to have you on board. We're 24:49.400 --> 24:51.700 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% gonna leave you now with a glimpse of the poet's corner. 24:51.800 --> 24:52.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% We'll see you next time. 24:55.733 --> 24:57.266 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% I met America at a 24:57.366 --> 25:00.000 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% neighborhood bar he offered me a shot of 25:00.100 --> 25:02.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% rum and I reminded him that Captain Morgan was a 25:02.933 --> 25:05.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% slave owner, so the bartender awkwardly 25:05.800 --> 25:09.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% slipped another liquid lie down my throat. 25:09.300 --> 25:11.700 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% I ordered another drink and was channeled by dark 25:11.800 --> 25:15.233 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% spirits the courage of black ghosts who haunt 25:15.333 --> 25:18.633 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% American dreams. I told him I loved him and I 25:18.733 --> 25:21.333 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% wanted him to sleep well. But I know I've been in 25:21.433 --> 25:24.666 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% your nightmares, I said. I want to be your friend 25:24.766 --> 25:28.066 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% but only if it's a deep relationship, only if you 25:28.166 --> 25:30.800 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% show me that you are not scared of your baggage. 25:30.900 --> 25:33.566 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% Bring your whole history to the table. 25:33.666 --> 25:37.400 align:left position:0%,start line:0% size:100% America cracked open another beer as a tear ran down his 25:37.500 --> 25:41.866 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% face. He said, I was born in a house not my own and 25:41.966 --> 25:44.700 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% my father's demanded that their portraits hang on 25:44.800 --> 25:48.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% every wall. White paint covers each brown brick. 25:48.633 --> 25:52.500 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% And our backyard is a museum of unmarked graves. 25:52.600 --> 25:56.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:0% size:87.5% Despite this a garden grows, I said. Every home 25:56.266 --> 25:59.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% can be torn down and rebuilt again but I've 25:59.133 --> 26:02.166 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% been told I shouldn't completely let you in, 26:02.266 --> 26:05.100 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% he said. Some people in my family stand in the 26:05.200 --> 26:08.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% doorway blocking the entrance. He left before I 26:08.933 --> 26:11.300 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% could tell him that my people have a history of 26:11.400 --> 26:15.133 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% finding ways inside broken spaces and making 26:15.233 --> 26:17.233 align:left position:25%,start line:93.33% size:75% them whole again. 26:17.333 --> 26:19.700 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% By The River is brought to you in part by 26:20.933 --> 26:22.800 align:left position:25%,start line:86.67% size:75% The University of South Carolina Beaufort, 26:22.900 --> 26:25.833 align:left position:0%,start line:93.33% size:100% Learning in action, discovered, 26:25.933 --> 26:28.366 align:left position:0%,start line:86.67% size:100% Community Foundation of the Low Country, 26:28.466 --> 26:30.200 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% Strengthening community, 26:33.100 --> 26:36.033 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USCB, 26:37.633 --> 26:39.533 align:left position:12.5%,start line:86.67% size:87.5% The Pat Conroy Literary Center, 26:41.933 --> 26:42.833 align:left position:12.5%,start line:93.33% size:87.5% Artistic Flower Shop.