Poetree Barbados Griot Award
- Empress Zingha
- Mar 21, 2024
- 2 min read
"One does not call one self a Griot. It is up to the community, of which you serve, to recognize you as such". - Heru The Poet
On March 21st, 2024, I went to a community show of cultural friends and family in support of not only of the show's growth but to celebrate my husband D.J Simmons for being awarded in the field of spoken word.
Little did I know, that I was also to be awarded... 'surprise" ! - I sincerely went to support the show and when they called my name, my flabbers were gasted to say the least. There were so many young people there that I taught, people who taught me! In all sincerity I do not take this award lightly.
When the community calls you a Griot, for a poet and speaker, that is one of the biggest honors in their work and life time. So many elders before me, that I have held in such deep regard have all been named Griot. To be even considered is humbling, and to be named, encourages me to continue the work. I dedicated this recognition to my spiritual mother Iya, the now late.... Sonia Suezette "Omisola" Williams. She was a second mother to me especially in the area of performance, and community development and the sacredness of the Afro Caribbean. It is because of her that I have watered the words she gave me, to blossom and bloom with deepest roots like a Baobab tree.
Thank you for your very kind acknowledgement tonight Poetree Barbados.
The service continues with eagerness 🧚🏾♀️🌻🧚🏾♀️
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