New York Launch & Reading - Saltwater Healing - Video & More

Here is a video recording of the New York reading and launch of my art and poetry collection Saltwater Healing - A Myth Memoir and Poems (Poinciana Paper Press, 2013) at Bluestockings Bookstore on 2 May 2013. Thanks so much to Beryl Edgecombe who filmed the event for her TV show "Dem Bahamians" on Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN)! This aired in June on the show - and is available on youtube as well. I've been so swamped with traveling and work that I haven't had time yet to write a reflection about this evening - and so finally I am sitting still for a moment to say thanks and share.

This is such a beautiful reminder of a really special evening shared with my New York community! Sharing on my blog gives me an opportunity to give thanks again to everyone who came and made this all possible. I was humbled and blessed by your support! Giving special thanks to my dearest friends and loved ones (in no particular order) who came: Beatrice, Al, Chaney, Ganessa, Tei, Miyo, Adaku, Samara, Rosamond, Jamie, Shauntee, Jon, Ari, and (last but not least) one of my best friends Eduardo who came from South Florida for the event. And all those who were there with me in spirit. And giving extra special thanks to my fellow poets for sharing their powerful words at the event. I was honored to share the stage with my writing sistren Charan P Morris (poet and educator) and Gabrielle Civil (performance artist and poet). They brought their fyah and fierceness! Thank you all for bearing witness to Saltwater Healing! I felt then and continue to feel incredibly loved. Thanks to Sonia Farmer - editor/founder of Poinciana Paper Press - who joined us as well to talk about the press and to introduce the book. (Thanks so much Sonia for making time during your New York trip to be a part of this beautiful evening.) Thanks to Jessica Lynne of Zora Magazine - who hosted the evening and also helped plan the event. Jessica took my Black women writers course at NYU, which I taught while on a postdoctoral fellowship in 2009. She reached out to me after hearing about my book being published earlier this year - and she asked to help organize the NY reading. The stars aligned and we made it happen! (Thanks Jessica - you are amazing!) Finally thanks to Bluestockings for hosting us in their fabulous space!





Beryl also invited me to the MNN studio in late May for an interview about my work. This aired sometime in June after the launch aired. Thanks Beryl for having me on your show!





*** My summer is in full swing - currently in Trinidad teaching and facilitating a short course on "Critical Sexuality Studies - Theory & Practice" with the Caribbean IRN and Institute of Gender and Development at University of the West Indies. Check out my article in ARC Magazine discussing the course and related events titled - "Exploring Caribbean Sexualities". I am here in Trinidad and Tobago for the month of July - teaching, writing, facilitating, and sharing. More updates on my epic journeys soon! Until then, peace, love & conscious wibes. ***

Epic Journeys, Part One

Being a Revolutionary Intellectual – In Radical Process 

(or what the hell am I doing in the academy?)

Sylvia Wynter circa 1972

And I felt that somehow being a revolutionary intellectual might be a goal to which one might aspire, for surely there was no real reason why one should remain in the academic world – that is, remain an intellectual – and at the same time not be revolutionary.

- Walter Rodney

So what our consciousness has been battling against, the regime of "truth" which has structured our "consciousness," is functioning against our best interests. It is negating ourselves; and so there's this constant struggle. You see, it's not just an intellectual struggle. You could call it a psycho­intellectual struggle. Then you could understand why in the '60s it wasn't just a call for Black Studies; it was a call for Black Aesthetics, it was a call for Black Art(s), it was a call for Black Power. It was an understanding that, as Lewis Gordon has been the first to keep insisting, we live in an anti-Black world -- a systemically anti-Black world; and, therefore, whites are not [simply] "racists."  They too live in the same world in which we live. The truth that structures their minds, their  "consciousness," structures ours. So the great battle now is going to be against “the truth.”

- Sylvia Wynter

So I’m finally sitting down to share reflections on my blog consciousvibration of my epic journeys to Ghana in May and Grenada in June, and then I read a beautiful tribute and sad reminder of the anniversary of Walter Rodney’s assassination in my facebook newsfeed. I had just gotten back from Grenada a couple days before, and I was in recovery mode from intense conferencing and back to back (blessed) travels across continents and oceans. I was thinking about the whirlwind of movement, exchange, and beautiful experiences – and wanting to write down every important moment  But my body had other plans for me – a week of rest and healing. So I finally get to this piece of writing and the words of Walter Rodney stay with me until this piece of writing becomes me reflecting on the hows and whys of my travels.

Both of these trips were for conferences funded through my work in the academy yet fueled and reflective of my work outside of it (my creative and community work – my art/poetry/organizing). And so when I read this quote by Walter Rodney above  (on the anniversary of his death on 13 June), it resonated deeply with me as I continue to struggle with my vexing relationship to the academic world – never feeling like I really belong. It also reminded me that if I am to be in it, then I must stay true to who I am in the world: staying in the struggle for freedom and liberation, social and environmental justice, fighting for sexual, gender, class, and racial equality, creating space for resistance and desire, AND using my voice, my art, my teaching, my writing -- as feminist, womanist, anti-imperial, anti-racist, class conscious, queer affirming, loving Blackness, and radical transgressive movement. Being a revolutionary for me means all these things and more… being in the tradition of women of color writers and feminists and all of our ancestors who resisted before/when our revolutions were thought impossible/unthinkable. Revolution means struggle, but it also means healing and radical self-care and love. It also means taking incredible risks and being a warrior – at times alone and afraid but rooted and guided by spirit and the earth…

So I believe that I am (and I aspire to be) as Rodney suggests – a revolutionary intellectual – in radical process. I agree with him completely – it is the ONLY reason (for me) to remain in the academy. I have also reflected on Sylvia Wynter’s reasoning and critique about Western systems of knowledge and how we must constantly do battle with our own consciousness (as Black people particularly but also as people of color and marginalized peoples generally) because “academia is a process of socialization” – i.e. educational systems as they exist function to “reproduce the order of society” (see her brilliant interview in ProudFlesh, Issue 4 2006). Therefore, Wynter argues that we must do battle against “Truth” and engage in a psycho-intellectual struggle. So as we learn and teach in these institutions, we are implicated in an elitist and controlling, western dominated systems of knowledge. But teaching and learning in such institutions forged my intellectual growth and social mobility, even though I know these places were never meant for me/us and that they will never accept me/us fully – somehow I have had to be okay with that – and take what I need and continue to forge my path – and use its resources to further my community and creative work. And while I am in them – do battle with “the truth” – and turn it inside out and make my teaching and writing part of the necessary unsilencing and challenging of these very systems of knowledge. (Let me clear - I know this ain't easy work and I'm not entirely sure if I can make a difference but I push forward - aware of the hypocrisies, the contradictions, and the corporate takeover of universities.) I remain critically engaged (in battle perhaps) with these institutions and the academic world – existing both inside and outside.

But for today, I find much comfort in Rodney’s words – and hold them close as I make sense of my years and discomfort in the academy. I think about my travels since I started my career in academia. I think about the mobility and access to places and people I may never have had if I didn’t get my academic hustle on and funding to present at dozens of conferences around the world – from Brazil to France, all over the U.S., and across the Caribbean – my homespaces (places I have come to know and love because of opportunities afforded me through the academic world). And I remember me as a little girl who dared to dream that I could be something other than poor and troubled, and that maybe one day I would leave Nassau and travel. And I remember when I found out that there was a thing called University – and I wanted to go – even when I dropped out of high school. I dreamed, worked hard, and took advantage of opportunities as they came my way – knowing that they came with a price and that some of these had something to do with my light skin, mixed race’ness and silence about race and class, while others came when I stopped being silent. (The paradox of difference. The paradox of being both invisible and hypervisible. The dilemmas of so-called multiculturalism and post-racial colorblind belief systems / bullshit – even when evidence to the contrary proves otherwise.)  And so I live in this paradox and embrace all the in-betweens and contradictions – and do what I can to create the spaces inside and outside where we can be critically engaged in resistance/revolution and re-build our consciousness - as Wynter says we must.

And so I am grateful and blessed to have these experiences, as they have made me even more committed to community organizing, creativity, and praxis. Since the beginning of my journey in the academy, I have insisted on making my commitment to community work and my creative self a priority. It is fitting then that my most recent journeys reflect a combination of my/selves as writer/poet/artist/teacher/scholar/activist – and that my invitation to share at the Yari Yari Ntoaso conference in Accra, Ghana was rooted in my creative writing and my grassroots organizing work in Haiti. And my work with the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) and its annual conference has been grounded in regional organizing and support of Caribbean sexual minority organizations, as well as creating space for Caribbean Sexuality Studies and LGBT-identified scholars, artist, activists and allies within CSA and across the region. (More reflections and photos of epic journeys soon come - in my next post.)

Sitting with the words and works of Walter Rodney and Sylvia Wynter over the past few days as I wrote this piece has given me a renewed sense of place and perspective on what I am doing in the academy and what I will continue to do in spite of and because of my discomfort and un-belonging. All I can do is hold onto the promise and work of Revolution and stay in the struggle. There is so much going on right now across the world, its hard to make sense of it all and figure out where to put one’s energy – in this time of planetary shifts, environmental and economic catastrophes with masses of people rising up against austerity measures and government/corporate control, continued wars and occupations and too much bloodshed and sexual assault in the face of U.S. imperialism, prisoners at Guantanamo on hunger strike, attacks on LGBTQ people and rights, the alarming numbers of sexual abuse and domestic violence, the new bounty on Assata… and too much more… my heart wants to break with all this sadness, pain, and destruction…  but instead I mend her up with these dreams and hopes of revolution… and keep working. 

Thank you Sylvia Wynter for your insights, your brilliance, and the depth of your intellectual battles. Thank you for continuing to keep us on our intellectual rigor to overstand and embrace your mighty words and theories. 

Rest strong in the struggle Walter Rodney. Thank you for your work, your wisdom, your insistence on revolution. Thank you for keeping us honest and critical.

The Spring Event - Twilight Reasoning with Carole Boyce Davies

I had the opportunity to organize a major lecture at Susquehanna University where I teach in the Department of English and Creative Writing. And I was really pleased to invite Carole Boyce Davies to the campus. Since I teach courses on Black women writers and Caribbean and African Diaspora Literatures and Cultures, among others, I wanted to have a scholar who was prominent in these fields and who would also be accessible to the students. I teach Boyce Davies' work in most of my literature courses, and so I thought she would be perfect - and she was! The event was held earlier this month on April 4th - and I had the pleasure to introduce her to the audience, which included over 100 students and faculty! I shared not only her impressive list of accomplishments and major contributions to several fields of study, but I also shared how I first met Carole. Here is part of my introduction: 

Dr. Carole Boyce Davies is professor of Africana Studies and English at Cornell University.  Her major works include the prize-winning Left of Karl Marx. The Political Life of Black Communist Claudia Jones and Black Women, Writing and Identity: Migrations of the Subject. Her most recent book is an edition of the writings of Claudia Jones titled Beyond Containment: Autobiography, Essays, Poetry. Her current project is a series of personal reflections, and academic essays titled Caribbean Spaces. Escapes from Twilight Zones dealing with the issue of transnational Caribbean/American black identity. 

Her work examining the political life, writing, activism, and legacy of Claudia Jones (1915-1964), who was a pioneering Afro-Caribbean radical intellectual, dedicated communist, and feminist, uncovers one of the most important thinkers, activists, and organizers in African diaspora history. Boyce Davies has unearthed the work and struggles of this major figure, who might have remained in the shadows of history – buried to the left of Karl Marx in London’s Highgate Cemetery. But as Carole Boyce Davies argues – this location is fitting considering the ways that Claudia Jones expanded Marxism-Leninism to include gender and race in her political critique and activism. 

I had the great privilege to meet Dr. Boyce Davies as a graduate student in 2006 at the ACWWS (Association of Caribbean Women Writers and Scholars) conference in South Florida. I had already read her brilliant work Black Women Writing and Identity, which became not only a primary source of theoretical engagement for my dissertation and now book project, but also an affirmation of my own experience as a migrant Black mixed-race woman writer and feminist scholar. Her theoretical engagement with Black women writers I had read and studied and continue to read and study (and teach) made me a more careful and astute scholar and writer. And so I was (and still am) by all accounts a huge fan. She was the main organizer of this conference and as a result very busy – and so I never expected to meet her or even have a conversation. Much to surprise, not only did I get to meet her, she attended my panel and later asked me to submit my paper for review in an anthology (which was accepted and published in the collection Caribbean Woman Writer as Scholar). This was a major honor to be asked by a leading person in the field of Caribbean Studies to submit a piece of work. And what was even more exciting and inspiring for me as a graduate student was watching and learning from such a prominent scholar and writer who is so incredibly supportive of emerging scholars/writers. Since then, we have  stayed in touch, met up at conferences, exchanged ideas, and reasoned about Caribbean politics and culture, literature, music, and art. She continues to be a mentor and an inspiration for me and many others. 

Carole's lecture, titled "Caribbean Diasporic Circulations: Poetics and Politics," addressed the various ways that Caribbean cultures have produced and been the product of a variety of migrations, political contributions and engagements. She shared insights into the ways that Caribbean cultures have influenced diaspora and movements across the world. She discussed literature, music, art and politics and offered intriguing insights into the poetics and politics of this dynamic engagement with the Caribbean at the center. The audience was captivated with her examples of how Caribbean cultural productions - art, music, pop culture, and literature - influence and reverberate around the globe. From the Japanese woman who won the Jamaica dancehall queen 2006 title, the pop culture sensations Rihanna and Nicky Minaj, the iconic place of Bob Marley, political figures Malcolm X and Claudia Jones, the powerful poetry of Dionne Brand and Kamau Brathwaite, to the recent superbowl VW add, Carole's analysis of Caribbean diasporic circulations were poignant and resonated with contemporary points of reference for a wide audience. She moved through important arguments about the place of Caribbean history and culture as a critical center for conversations and theorizing about diaspora.     

Carole Boyce Davies - Lecture at SU

After the lecture, students and faculty asked engaging questions and then we had a lovely reception in the Department's lounge. Many of my students attended and were thrilled and honored to meet such a distinguished scholar. They told me after how excited they were.

The entire visit was a blessing for me - more reminders of how essential it is to have strong mentorships and friendships with fellow women of color in the academy in similar fields of study. She has offered me guidance over the years that continues to be invaluable for my career and well being. I appreciate her and am grateful to include her in my circle of comrades. It was a delight to share with each other about current projects. And we talked about the academy and small town USA places where some Caribbean people end up migrating and moving to - places she so powerfully calls "twilight zones" in her latest collection of essays. As she described her use of this metaphor to me, it all made sense - as we reasoned about how to stay healthy, well, and productive in these spaces that may be challenging and counter intuitive to health and well being. I am holding our reasonings close to my spirit as I wrap up another semester in a twilight zone - and meditate upon wellness and focus on productivity. With my scholarly book deadline around the corner, end of semester grading, and my summer travels on the horizon, I know that I must get it all done and get it done well. Thank you Carole for your inspiring wisdom!

Earthday Reflections & Spring Catch Up!

Still riding high on the wave of the publication of my book Saltwater Healing! I'm thrilled to announce that my New York launch is coming up on May 2nd at Bluestockings! I've been blessed with help from one of my former NYU students - Jessica Lynne - who took a class with me in Spring 2009. And she offered to help me organize this event - and she has been amazing! (Thank you Jessica!) She will be the host for the event. And I'm really excited to share the stage with my fellow poet sistren - Charan P Morris and Gabrielle Civil - who will be sharing some of their work. Also Sonia Farmer - editor/founder of Poinciana Paper Press will also be there! Can't wait to celebrate with my NY community!

*~*~*

This winter was a rough one for my island blood - hence, I've been in hibernation mode. Although this is my fourth winter, I still ain't use to the cold... and so winters are hard for me still. And each year brings another set of challenges as the planet responds to / is deeply affected by climate change and the weather gets stranger and more severe. We are all affected yet experience it in different ways. But the reality is sinking in for many of us around the world - we in trouble. Seriously... we are at a critical juncture and finally - since Superstorm Sandy, the U.S. mass media is paying attention. I went to the climate change march protesting the Keystone pipeline on 17th February in Washington, D.C. - ironically on the coldest day ever - and in spite of the frigid weather - thousands of people marched and carried signs and participated in this public outcry calling for change - to stop the pipeline, to cut emissions, to create a carbon tax, support cleaner and greener alternative energies, etc. While I generally feel that "the march" is no longer the most effective way to create change, what I do find valuable is the sense of solidarity that can be built during such a protest. There is something magical that happens when people come together united and in solidarity around issues that are a common or shared experience and/or concern. I believe in that power and possibility. I believe it helps us to feel more united and less alone in the struggle. But I also believe the real work happens before and after the protest. 

Some thoughts and reflections during the snow and stormy madness of these winter months. I've also been hard at work on my scholarly book Resisting Paradise - revising, re-working, and editing. And then there's teaching - the day to day of prep work, reading, grading, more grading. Through all this, climate change and what are we doing and must do differently weigh heavily on my spirit. And so today - Earthday - is just another reminder, but also a moment to reflect and pour so much love and light into the earth - and use these moments to take action. We each have a part to play in how we can help save this/our planet. I've spent many years doing different kinds of organizing work, but most of all, I make great efforts to live in the most ethical and sustainable ways as I can. 

I've spent the past two years developing a social and environmental justice curriculum for high school and college courses based on Hurricane Season with a team of educators and activists. I created and taught the college course at Susquehanna University for the past three semesters - and its been a journey! There have been challenges and successes as I introduce first year college students to issues like state violence, mass incarceration, gender-based violence, the water crisis, climate change, environmental injustice, disaster capitalism, and displacement through the lens of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the earthquake in Haiti. After teaching over 120 students this curriculum, I have to say that regardless of the difficulties they have in getting some of the material, most of them leave the course understanding the environmental crisis we are in and how this affects all of us. My main goal in this course is to help them to think more critically about the world, to see the relationship between social and environmental issues, and to get them to be engaged in learning, reading, and writing about these issues in critical and solution oriented ways. Teaching and preparing for these classes keep me in up to date and in constant search for new ideas and information. 

And this year's winter hibernation kept me focused. Now I am coming up for air and spring time, ready for summer heat, and wanting to share more on conscious vibration about what I've been up to these past months.

Soon come - full report of my inspiring time with the brilliant Carole Boyce Davies, who has been an important mentor to me since I was a graduate student. I asked her to do a lecture at the university where I work - and the event was amazing!

All this and more brought me out of my winter hibernation into spring bloom!

Release – The Journey of Saltwater Healing

Saltwater Healing – A Myth Memoir and Poems
By Angelique V. Nixon

Poinciana Paper Press 2013

Launched at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery

3 February 2013 || Nassau, The Bahamas

My first solo book collection of art and poetry is here - Saltwater Healing - published by Poinciana Paper Press! I am thrilled and blessed to share my work in this way – through a beautiful letterpress cover, hand bound, limited edition book – with a small independent Caribbean press. The collection includes a digital full color reproduction of my literary artwork and myth memoir “Saltwater Healing” (18 wooden panels originally featured as an installation in Transforming Spaces 2012 FIBRE at The Hub in Nassau) and 11 of my poems.

The books are $30 each and available through Poinciana Paper Press and at Doongalik Studios in Nassau. Copies will also be available soon at other local bookstores and art galleries. I also have copies. Feel free to email me at angeliquevnixon@gmail.com for more information. You can also contact the press directly - please visit PoincianaPaper Press or email Sonia Farmer at sonia@poincianapaperpress.com. I am also hoping to organize a New York launch sometime this spring. I will share more info once it falls into place!

We had a really successful launch on Sunday and sold quite a few books! I want to express my deep gratitude for such a successful and powerful event on Sunday – giving thanks to everyone who came to support, those who bought books, and those who were there in spirit. And I want to thank each and every person who made the launch possible, especially:

·      Sonia Farmer, editor and founder of Poinciana Paper Press, for believing in this project and working tirelessly to make it happen

·      Pamela and Orchid Burnside for hosting the event at Doongalik Studios

·      Marion Bethel, for her most brilliant introduction of me and my work

·      Book Making & Binding Volunteers: Orchid Burnside, John Thompson, Storm Strand, Zoe Tsavoussis, Charmaine Gibson, and Kat Jackson

·      Margot Bethel for documenting the event and for collaborating with Sonia on the cover design and printing

·      Erin Greene, Tina Johnson, Tania Nixon, and Vanessa Eneas for delicious refreshments at the launch and Mendoza Imports for pink champagne!

Also many thanks to The Nassau Guardian, ARC Magazine, Bahamas Arts & Culture Newsletter, Repeating Islands, and The Tribune for featuring the launch and promoting my book, as well as ArtOvation with TaDa on Star 106.5FM for having me on her show to talk about my book!

*~*~*

Here are a few photos of the book making and binding process. For more photos and details into the book making process, check out this link for Sonia Farmer's post on Poinciana Paper Press's blog. And also check out ARC Magazine's lovely re-mix of Sonia's piece. Thanks Holly!

I arrived just in time on Friday afternoon to work on the prep for binding (poking holes) and to install the artwork at Doongalik Studios.

Sonia, Orchid and I - after working all afternoon on Friday before the launch, and me holding the first completed book!!!  In front of the installation of my Saltwater Healing Panels - spread out over two walls.

Remix of my Saltwater Healing Installation

Remix of my Saltwater Healing Installation

And on Saturday, we did the final part - the sewing and binding of the books!

Excited that I got to bind my books!

The final stretch!

The space! Ready for the big day!

with Sonia and Marion at the launch, before the reading

The official launch day was beautiful, and I felt incredibly lifted by all the positive energy beaming from the crowd of 50 or so people who came together for this celebration – supporting not only my work but also Poinciana Paper Press! I had the great opportunity to reimagine the display of my pieces while I worked with Pam Burnside to install the panels in the gallery space on Friday before the launch. The remix turned out to be a great new way of experiencing the Saltwater Healing panels and I got lots of positive feedback!

Many people I knew in the crowd, some of my dearest loved ones and family, others with common interests and circles, and some I met for the first time. Sitting in this gorgeous, sun-filled room at Doongalik, I felt so honored as we started the event and Sonia Farmer welcomed us and brought up Marion Bethel, who introduced me. I am still in awe of Marion’s brilliant reflection and introduction! I had to hold back the tears as I listened intently to her powerful description of my work. I am overjoyed that she was able to be a part of this special day. (Thank you Marion!) After Marion’s stirring introduction, I gave a reading of a few select pieces from the book – started with the myth memoir and wrapped up with a few poems. I chose pieces that I thought would reflect the book as a whole but not give to much away – wanting to encourage folks to buy the book! I also made some choices based on audience, but at the same time, wanting to stay true to my work, which is all about breaking silences. I took some risks and shared poems that are hard for me - all the messiness we suppress too often - domestic violence, disease, and poverty. I wanted to read these poems because of these silences.

Marion introducing me! 

Ready for the reading!

The crowd!

However, I feel in retrospect that I was too silent about certain things – like stating clearly why I identify as Black - as a mixed race woman - and why my late maternal grandmother Mabel Sistella Charles is so central to my story and the collection (hence why the book is dedicated to her). I believe all these things are very clear in the book (and Marion affirmed these points in her introduction as well), but I didn’t make it very clear during my reading. Perhaps I did this because I have voiced this in public at home in various settings from radio shows and lectures to readings and newspaper articles. Or perhaps I wanted to leave it up to the reader/audience. 

Close up of Saltwater Healing 

Close up of Saltwater Healing

I didn’t read certain pieces where these issues come up in my poetry and myth memoir. Mostly because I didn’t want to upset my paternal grandmother – Viola Nixon – who came to my event and who was also a big part of my life growing up. Since the "Gramma" in my book is not her, I kept censoring myself and said less than I had planned. Instead of facing up to and explaining my choices, I was silent once again – even as my creative work literally and figuratively calls for us to be “silent no more.” I could have explained more, and after the event, I started to feel like I missed this important opportunity to speak up and out. But then I realized I'm comfortable in my skin and how I identify - so much so that I no longer feel the need to explain this, even to people who don’t know me or my story. I am so rooted in my self, my identity, and my connection to ancestors and spirit that I no longer have to say it quite so much. It is who I am. Nevertheless, I’ve been agonizing over my reading and what I didn’t say or what I left out. I am reminded that there are spaces and places I still must tell and in this case re-tell again and again. I feel that I’m working through other silences, another part of my story. Perhaps my next project... 

Here I am with my paternal grandmother - Viola Nixon

To do that, I have to admit a few things and release them – like discomfort with my paternal family, and that I don't want to talk about my paternal family and those particular dynamics that also gave rise to me. I have touched upon them in my work here and there, but for the most part I avoid it. These dynamics are as equally complex as my maternal side, and in some ways even more so - with Chinese mixed race whiteness, denial of Blackness, outside children, and troubling stories of domestic violence and sexual trauma – stories I haven’t fully started writing about yet. I have made the deliberate and strategic choice to focus on my maternal line in much of my work because of Spirit and Ancestors who speak to me and through me. My maternal side forged in me a sense of survival (through genetic memory and spirit calling) that has made me the person I am today. But my paternal side made me too – and at some point, I believe I will be ready to share this truth. For now though, it feels too hard. But I am closer to telling that story. 

And so I will say here what I wanted to say on Sunday - which is acknowledge both my maternal and paternal grandmothers as a vital part of my life, but that this particular project is about the one who is in the spirit world - the one who has been my creative muse for many years - Mabel Sistella Charles. And so it's her story because her story creates me - this drives my poetic voice. And it's her story because there are so few spaces to tell her story (as a Black Bahamian woman, single mother, domestic worker, raised in Inagua and through struggle) that I feel it's my responsibility to speak it loud. Her passing when I was so young (at 18) has affected more than I can ever explain (and then loosing my mother just a year after that at 19). These moments have marked me forever. And somehow in spirit we remain close and in communication. I know that I have to tell my gramma's story and explain this - even when it's the most painful and uncomfortable. More lessons - grateful.

I am releasing all the stuff I didn't say - letting it go and saying it here - knowing that there will be more time, more readings and events. And so it is - Saltwater Healing is born! It is my story of healing and difficult childhood memories told through the Bahamian land/seascape. It is a collection of poetry and art that speaks troubled herstories and affirms the imagination as our place for healing and recreation/affirmation of self. It took me years to get here to tell this story – and for that I am so thankful for all who bear witness and can hear me – even when its hard.

I give thanks to all my friends, loved ones, and mentors who have been witness to my poetry and writing – especially Marion Bethel and Asha Rahming (my sheroes), my chosen family (sisters Vanessa Eneas, Bianca Zaiem, and Jheaneale Bahadosingh), my Florida family (Eduardo, Susi, Carlos, Alexia), my cousin Nabila Darville, my stepmother Lynn Darville, and my closest friends and comrades in the struggle, my community! – you know who you are – so grateful and blessed to have each of you in my life! Thank you for always believing in me and supporting me through this journey.

My sisters - Vanessa and Jheaneale

My dearest friends Erin and Tina and my cousin Nabila

Signing books! 

with family - my cousin Nabila,
grandmother Viola, and aunt Kay

with Tania - my aunt, my sister!

My niece Penelope :)

Family - Tania, Jheaneale, Vanessa

Refreshments and Mingle time!

Margot, Stan, Orchid

Jay, Jan, Ali

Tina, Orchid, Pam

with Stan and Alana

Another shot of Mingle Time!

with Orchid and Kareem

with Asha!

Sonia and I take a moment to smile and exhale!

with Pam Burnside

with Gio and Stephen

with Margot!

Such a beautiful day and celebration! Spirit Filled Blessings and Love!

More musings, soon come, on conscious vibration!

Angelique

To get a copy of my book, email me at angeliquevnixon@gmail.com,
or visit Poinciana Paper Press and 
email Sonia Farmer at sonia@poincianapress.com.