Poet, Teaching Artist and Imagination Activist
Artist Statement
I Write to Right. I re-mem-ber through poetry. People believe the opposite of remembering is forgetting. I believe that it is dismemberment. This is what happens to our memory over time. This is what happened to my African Lineage, because of slavery. Poetry is the righteous and healing act of re-mem-bering. Poetry is the act of “building” and “putting back together.” I guide others to do the same.
Biography
Glenis Redmond is Nationally Renowned Poet and Teaching Artist. She is a Cave Canem Fellow, a Kennedy Center Teaching Artists. She has two poetic posts as Poet-in-Residence at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ and at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC. Her latest book is What My Hand Say.
Programs
1. Poetry off the Page: Poems of Origin Workshop
2. Poetry off the Page 2: Performance Workshop.
3. Poetry As Memoir: How to Write your Life
4. Tributary: What we Hold Dear we Honor.
5. Informance: What My Hand Say Part Performance/Part Craft Talk
Quotes
Ms. Redmond gave me poetry. I now have a key that unlocks a door that I did not know was there.
– 5th Grader from Stone Academy
Glenis perfectly characterized the soul, pride and passion of the immortal Maya Angelou in every word, whether she was reciting a poem or not. For me personally, black poetry is one of the most vibrant and enchanting forms of poetry I have ever encountered. It is the beautiful fruit of centuries of heartbreak, abuse and hatred, all fused into a singular, passionate format. There is a beauty and pain in it and I truly believe it is the purest form of tribute to the struggle of African-Americans in America throughout our nation’s history, Glenis had an incredible ability to enthrall everyone, with every intentional pause, shout, and movement she made. She was simply magical. I had heard much of Maya Angelou’s poetry in the past, but I had never been privileged to hear it in such an authentic way. While she was onstage, Glenis truly was Maya embodying her in every aspect. She accounted for every part of Maya, her heritage history, her struggles, and her triumphs. And by truly listening to Maya rather than just hearing her, she became like her. I truly believe what witnessed on Tuesday was Maya’s spirit living on through another person. And that was part of Maya’s personality her steadfast belief that she spoke for all before her who could no longer speak, and that by simply being herself, she would bring power to the powerless. I think that I saw Glenis embody that central belief last, and live it unapologetically.
– Brian, St. Joseph’s Catholic School 11th Grade
Glenis is able to transform any space that she walks into. She shares in her poem that her Mama is Magic. I believe Glenis is Magic.
– Lian Farrer, State Theatre