My name is Taylor, and I’ve always known that my purpose was to be a Creative. Since discovering my love for writing, I desired a literal foundation where I could safely dream build on the page, so with the help of community and working tirelessly I bought my first home in Baltimore in 2021. My home-buying journey inspired me to assist other creatives who similarly desire a means to create wealth and provide overall stability to their lives through home ownership or buying commercial properties to house community needs and/or events. I chose Baltimore because let’s be real, real estate prices in DC are too expensive, and Baltimore has a vibrant history intertwined with poetry and spoken word, dating back several decades. From literary giants to grassroots movements, the city has been a fertile ground for artistic expression and cultural innovation. Here’s a glimpse into Baltimore’s captivating journey with poetry and spoken word:
The Beat Generation Influence:
During the 1950s and 1960s, Baltimore experienced the ripple effects of the Beat Generation—a literary movement that challenged traditional norms and celebrated spontaneity and freedom of expression. Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, Etheridge Knight, and Lucille Clifton inspired a new generation of writers in Baltimore, who embraced unconventional styles and themes in their work.
The Influence of Amiri Baraka:
Amiri Baraka, a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, left an indelible mark on Baltimore’s poetry scene. His radical and politically charged verse resonated deeply with local poets, inspiring them to use their art as a tool for social change and activism.
The Rise of the Baltimore Poets:
In the 1980s and 1990s, Baltimore witnessed the emergence of a diverse community of poets who defied categorization and celebrated the city’s eclectic spirit. Notable poets like Lucille Clifton, Etheridge Knight, and Michael Salinger contributed to the city’s literary landscape, garnering national recognition for their groundbreaking work.
The Nuyorican Poets Café Influence:
The Nuyorican Poets Café, a renowned poetry venue in New York City, played a significant role in shaping Baltimore’s spoken word scene. Artists from Baltimore regularly traveled to the Café to participate in poetry slams and open mic nights, bringing back new ideas and energy to their hometown.
The Birth of the Baltimore Poetry Slam:
In 1992, the Baltimore Poetry Slam was established, providing a platform for poets to compete and showcase their talents in a competitive format. The slam quickly gained popularity and became a focal point of the city’s spoken word community, fostering creativity and camaraderie among local poets.
Contemporary Renaissance:
Today, Baltimore continues to be a hotbed of poetic expression and creativity. Spoken word venues like the Busboys and Poets Open Mic Night, Charm City Slam, and the Red Emma’s Radical Poetry Reading provide opportunities for poets to share their work and connect with like-minded individuals. Additionally, organizations such as DewMore Baltimore and CityLit Project are dedicated to promoting literary arts and nurturing emerging voices in the city.
Conclusion:
Baltimore’s history with poetry and spoken word is a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and unite communities. From the Beat Generation to the present day, poets in Baltimore have used their voices to confront social injustices, celebrate cultural diversity, and express the essence of the city’s soul. As Baltimore continues to evolve, its legacy as a hub of poetic innovation and creativity remains as vibrant as ever.
My poems are odes to the creatives before me. Below are two short poems of mine I wrote to purport how much art and Black bodies are deserving of homes and that both must be housed.
“Would they let me paint a BLACK LIVES MATTER mural in their home or just upon the sidewalks like Shel Silverstein, alone?.. why do they tell me I belong on the sidewalk for wanting to ensure that conversations of safety and inclusion begin inside their home?”
— Taylor Mack
Home is Where the Art Is
In the realm where words weave dreams,
and verses dance in endless streams,
There lies a place where stanzas meet,
with bricks and mortar, strong and neat.
Real estate, a world of might,
where homes stand tall in morning light,
Each window pane a framed delight,
a canvas for the soul’s insight.
In poetry, we find the art,
to capture moments, worlds apart,
But in these walls, a story starts,
a narrative of hearts.
For every house, a tale untold,
in every room, a warmth to hold,
Where laughter echoes, love unfolds,
and memories, like treasures, are sold.
Through lines of verse and deeds of land,
we make room for all things we don’t understand,
Crafting homes with tender hands,
building futures, strand by strands.
So let us write, with pen and key,
in ink and stone, our legacy.