Semi-Finals Bout Results: 1st place: Los Angeles 2nd place: Richmond 3rd place: Asheville 4th place: Flint This means that even though Flint was in the top 16 teams out of 55, they are not one of the 4 teams that will advance to finals. But make no mistake, these young women courageously shared their experiences of joy, loss, pain, injustice, survival of triumph. At various times, they had the audience crying, laughing, hugging, applauding and amening. We have been told by other teams and audience members that they had no idea that Flint had it like that....that these young poets helped changed their perspective on our city. This is much more than a competition for these young ladies. Our preparation for this event is more than just practice. It is therapy. It is catharsis . There is so much power, healing, and solidarity that happens when youth are given the space to just speak what is on their minds and hearts . And be truly heard. I am so proud of these girls and I am feeling truly emotional because this will be my last year as head coach. RIUs mission is rooted in providing youth with the resources and support to be leaders. With that being said, Crystal, RIUs amazing Program Associate, my right hand, my sister from another mother....will be taking over as head coach. Under her leadership, RAISE IT UP, will continue to cultivate and prepare young writers and poets to compete at Brave New Voices. Lyn Williams and I will move into a supportive role. Many thanks to Jonah Mixon-Webster who stepped in this year to help as an assistant coach before he heads off to pursue his doctorate and change the world. I will miss serving in this capacity but am excited to hand the reins over to the young people who are more than ready. Thank you to the community of Flint for providing moral, emotional, financial, digital, and in-kind support. Because of YOU, RIU has been able to send 4 teams to this annual competition at absolutely no cost to them. Thats love. Thats Flint. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 02:56:31 +0000
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