hinking
about how you’re going to "Buy Black" while doing your holiday gift
shopping so your money stays in and empowers your own community? Or are
you an older person seeking greater insight into the thoughts and
feelings of the younger generation –
or
a member of that younger generation hoping to see some of your own views
reflected by one of your peers? Well, whoever you are, you should
definitely get a copy of Streets in Poem Form: "A compilation of my
thoughts!" by the up-and-coming spoken word artist Tylibah.
The book includes a forward by New York City Council
Member and Mayoral candidate Charles Barron who calls it "a must read
for those seeking truth, justice and liberation." Barron is right:
Tylibah is a fresh, new voice that is not afraid to speak truth to power
and grapple with thorny issues, whether it’s reparations to descendants
of slavery, relationships between young men and women in the hood, or
the confusions of her own heart.
Tylibah first began to gain notice with her poem
against the war on Iraq titled "Who's the Evil Axis?" which she has
performed at countless anti-war rallies, for church groups, and the
Million Youth March. And that poem is still right on time as the
war/occupation drags on, killing and maiming innocent Iraqi civilians
and American servicemen daily.
Along
with speaking out on current issues, Tylibah doesn’t forget to look back
and pay homage to those who inspired her, two of them being Rosa Parks
and Nina Simone. "Mama Rose" and "The Real Diva" are Tylibah’s moving
tributes to these great sisters in the struggle.
There is also the very insightful "Ghetto Brother
Blues," which may surprise some to see written with by a woman with such
depth. In it Tylibah describes the arrogance and bravado had by some
Black young men, but goes beyond it to the inner core of their feelings.
This poem is followed by "Babygirl" which is equally
profound in its description of "Miss Thang" who "had it going on" but
meets her doom through an ill-fated love.
The final section of the book contains poems about
Tylibah herself, "Your Average Girl from Brooklyn." Tylibah knows how to
draw a veil that leaves some things in mystery, while boldly revealing
others. Even when we don’t know exactly what she’s referring to in her
life, generously, courageously she brings us with her so we still
experience the essence of her emotion.
To purchase the book, call (347) 210-3226 or email
Tylibahinc@yahoo.com. Tylibah is available to perform her poems and for
book signings with ten people and more.
