I got together with my poetry mentor Keith Rodgers who is a big brother to me, and the founder of Rooftop Rhythms’ parent organization, Black on Black Rhyme. We talked about his love for poetry and self-expression, and more.
Dorian: What impacted your life and inclination to become a poet and events organizer?
Keith: I got into poetry at a very, very young age. As early as first grade. I’ve always been fascinated with rhymes. I first made a name for myself in poetry in grade school. I would write poems for my friends to give to their girlfriends or write letters that rhymed to girls I was crushing on. I was such a romantic.
I was born in Lake Hamilton, Florida in the county of Polk. Being born there impacted my life because it is a small town full of relatives, friends and co-workers that struggled, played and rejoiced together. It instilled in me a work ethic that taught me that you don’t have to have a job to go to work!
Dorian: Tell me more about Black on Black Rhyme. How many cities is it in now and where do you see it going from here?
Keith: Black On Black Rhyme is a collective of poets, singers, dancers, designers, musicians and photographers that bring their passion for entertainment and education together to form an artistic movement that you can groove with! I started Black On Black Rhyme in my apartment in 1998 and it is still going strong today!
It is not just poetry, but a way of life! Its members become family and as the memories accumulate generations are created.
Black On Black Rhyme is currently in six cities. I see Black On Black Rhyme producing a TV series of some sort and creating more impactful poetry compilations to inspire others to write.
Dorian: Black on Black Rhyme introduced me to performance poetry and definitely saved my life. Because of the name, some people think your group is only for Black people or only discusses Black matters. What are your thoughts about that?
Keith: The name Black On Black Rhyme is a positive spin on the term Black On Black Crime, so if you’re are instinctively turned away by the name then you probably are the one that needs to hear it the most! The poets are so prolific in the topics they write on. They run the gamut from oppression to education, from politics to sports, from religion to health! So to answer the question of do we just write on Black topics, NO! We write on the right topics.
Dorian: I agree with your thoughts on the name controversy. People should always give something a chance before they judge. When did you get in to poetry?
Keith: I got into poetry at a very, very young age. As early as 1st
grade. Ive always been fascinated with rhymes.
Dorian: I was about 18 when I realized I liked the art form. Before
that, I was in to rhyming but mores in to rap. How did you first make a name for yourself in poetry?
Keith: I first made a name for myself in poetry in grade school. I
would write poems for my friends to give to their girlfriends or write
letters that rhymed to girls I was crushing on. I was such a romantic.
Dorian: You have returned to the Middle East, to perform in UAE. What is this like?
Keith: I decided to take the trip across the world to Abu Dhabi because a close friend of mine, Dorian Rogers, started something beautiful and I wanted to be the beholder. I wanted to experience the Experience!
Sometimes in life you have to take a break from yourself and enjoy what you have inspired. Now that I have returned, I would best describe my trip to the UAE as amazing.
Experiencing a totally different culture, the richness of the nation, the appreciation of my art, to hear poetry in other languages. Let me stop before I relapse!
Dorian: Where do you see yourself headed, and what’s the secret to a great poem?
Keith: Five years from now, I see myself as a well sought after speaker, host, author and performer spreading that Black On Black Rhyme love all over the world. I believe the secret to creating a poem that resonates with people is to feel it. Is it a complete concept? Did it make you want to meet the characters, pay their bills, feel their pain, experience their joy? Now, that’s a sign of a great poem!
Dorian: One last thing before you go. How can you be reached regarding the bill for this coffee? Should I just email over an invoice?
Keith: *blank stare*
Link with Keith: Dismusbkeith@hotmail.com + blackonblackrhyme.com
