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I promise you there’s more to her than meets the eyes. There is a depth and a wholeness that she reaches for in her writing. Her pen is deliberate and heart gentle. Here’s one of my favorite pieces that just so happened to be one of the pieces she submitted as her favorite:

In her own words…

My name is Kerassa Pillay. Born & raised in South Africa. I always find it hard writing about myself, and I guess through the years, growing and learning, one learns self-love and acceptance. I’ve only begun posting my writing on Instagram for the past year. I remember, being much younger and scribbling words whenever I had too many thoughts overflowing. Having gone through many ups and downs in life, becoming a single mum and the challenges that come with trying to adult, and still be a cool mum, had me turn to writing again. Managing through life’s battles through the tears and the smiles, makes for one trying to be a strong human. I love the support from the writing community of friends I’ve made, from all over the world, hoping to inspire more humans.

One of her favorites…

Another one of mine…



e Speaks…

Thank you for joining us here at http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com and stopping by the #WriterCrushWednesday series Kerassa!! 

SUPPORT KERASSA ON LINE!
 @kerassapillay on INSTAGRAM 

Poetry, bio and photos included in this piece are the exclusive property of KERASSA PILLAY. No copyright infringement intended. 
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Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

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Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

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ROUND TWO

I’m in #Volunteer training again. I was talking to a friend about how things are rapidly changing in the field closest to my heart; #Suicide #Crisis #Intervention. Traditional training doesn’t equip me to deal w/ Facebook Live suicides & the like. It’s a different day we’re living in & it’s hard to ignore that hypersensitivity is increasing while low moral restraints are at an all time high. 

When I look around the class this year I notice I’m the only African American. As a native New Yorker who grew up submerged in all cultures, I’m unbothered. The common denominator to help others takes precedence. And if it were not so, many would agree that women are more likely to have impromptu Kum Ba Yah moments that cause us to move past differences in times of dire trouble anyway. In my experience however, it seems to be very different for men of color and I am concerned. Very. 

Who are men of color…people of color talking to? 

See I am also surrounded by several, kind SWAT team members who like me see a need for additional training. But in a crisis, when tensions are high & gathering crowds are frustrated & loud; how will it realistically pan out? Especially if a man of color doesn’t trust who’s first on the scene or who’s been assigned to help him.

Even on a crisis line, how comfortable is a caller if they feel the person on the other end can’t relate to them. Especially if the caller is historically perceived as an anomaly and/or a perceived threat on the brink of extinction. 

It’s a topic that’s really bothering me & I don’t wanna reinvent the wheel. Darren Walker (@cleverbastard) tackles it in his new documentary. Dese’Rae fearlessly gives everyone the mic via @_livethroughthis_. I dialogue with @iamdishan from a faith based perspective via @holdtolife & did you know the NOPCAS (National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide) was headquartered in Washington DC?

It’s a serious multifaceted issue & I’m tired of those struggling being diagnosed from the grave. 

Thoughts? 

2.19.17

#blackhistorymonth #cutting #selflove #selfharm #melanin #blackhealth #blackmentalhealth #awareness #mentalhealth #community #socialservices #ptsd
Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

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Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits Ericka Arthur. 

Display photo: Google Images. No copyright infringement intended. 

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I’VE BEEN THINKIN’

I’ve been thinkin’. Licensed but my collar has been adjusted and my pulpit has changed. 

I’ve been thinkin’ about influence. What it looks like, what it’s looked like, what it can look like…what it should look like. 

I’ve been thinkin’ about the sacred text of old that describes the mundane being granted access to the majestic; an ocular demonstration of being entrusted with the king’s ear. Speak Esther. Speak Daniel. Speak Joseph. 

I’ve been thinkin’…if I were to shut down all of my social media pages today, what would my voice sound like in the earth realm?

I’ve been thinkin’…”The Kings heart is in the Lord’s hands and HE turns it whichever way HE chooses”. I’ve been thinkin’…”I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” as it lies mute at the feet of the religious, archaic, powerless, well rehearsed, poorly versed, noisy, incestuous stagnant. 

GOD I’ve been thinkin’. What are YOU thinKING?

AND from “one dust ball to another (thank you Bishop Keith Reed Sr.)… 

What. Are. you. Thinking?

Day 48 of 2017


Muhammad Ali Archive Photos: No copyright infringement intended

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

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Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

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As one who bores very easily, I love a challenge. I love…different. Ramel Steede is just that and his pen does more than sustain my interest. As a matter of fact if we listen closely, we can hear his heart.

One of my favorite pieces:

And then there was our first dance…

In his own words…

A native of Brooklyn, NY Ramel Steede became a lover of expression at a very young age. Ever active and sometimes awry he spent his early years with his mother, siblings and grandparents in small town Florida, while spending his summers in Brooklyn where he was born. This made for a great mix of northern exposure and southern hospitality.

Even as a child he enjoyed music, movies and the arts.

After college Ramel spent a few years in Stuttgart, Germany working for an American based technological company. He became fluent in German and traveled through much of central Europe, including Denmark, Italy, France and Spain. He later fathered a child, his only daughter, Qiana, who is American born, yet shares citizenship with France.

He continued to travel globally for many years while working. He found inspiration in every opportunity, before finding other employment in 2007.

A life long lover of reading, writing poetry, rhythm and rhyme. He is very close to his daughter, family, and a small circle of friends. Ramel also has a passion for martial arts. He holds belts in various disciplines and is studying to be a Tae Kwon Do instructor.

He currently resides in central Florida.

Honored he would share two of his favorite pieces…

e Speaks…

Thank you for joining us here at http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com and stopping by the #WriterCrushWednesday series Ramel!!

SUPPORT RAMEL ON LINE!

@pensandpavement (Instagram)

https://m.facebook.com/ramel.steede.9 (Facebook)

Purchase his book here!



Poetry, bio and photos included in this piece are the exclusive property of Ramel Steede. No copyright infringement intended.

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Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

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Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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She is strong. Beautiful and strong. When asked what impresses me I often respond, “those who do what I cannot“. She is one of them. She is Social Justice meets Poetic Justice and she has this thing for Love. 

One of my favorite pieces reads:



In her own words…

Thalia Edwards was born on September 8th 1983 in Takoma Park, MD to Deaf parents (Ecuadorian mother and African American father). She was raised in Upper Montgomery County, Maryland to which she molded her love for writing poetry as a form of expression. In 2006, she embarked on a career of sign language interpreting to which she used poetry to filter out her thoughts and feelings relating to the people she worked with and for on a daily basis. The only time she felt at home with herself was through the art of words which gave life to her first book “Black Codes“. 

e Speaks…

Thank you for joining us here at http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com and stopping by the #WriterCrushWednesday series Thalia!! 

SUPPORT THALIA ON LINE!


@Justly2poetic on Twitter and IG
Black Codes available on Amazon here!

Poetry, bio and photos included in this piece are the exclusive property of Thalia Edwards. No copyright infringement intended. 

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Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

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FEATURED IN A BOOK!

My first time. Humbled to have been selected as a featured writer in Feminine Collective’s 2017 published body of work! Wait there’s more. I just learned that 15% of the proceeds goes to @lifeafterproject; an organization who shares my burden for #SuicidePrevention!! I get to hold a tangible copy of my poetry in print but if you wanna check it out & support, the Kindle edition is now available on Amazon (http://amzn.to/2jP9mNa)! Tears. The good kind😌e

New here? iWrite Love Poetry @authenticiteespeaks | Meet Me There
2.4.17

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Old school meets new train of thought. Yeah. Yeah that’s how I would describe our featured poet of this week. Joseph introduced himself as a music producer who was new to poetry but I would beg to differ. In reading his work, I discovered there was wisdom laced with risk that came from the heart. Sounds like a poet to me. 


One of my favorite pieces accompanied the beautiful photo above that he took:


Let me be your light..

When you’re feeling low

Let me to be your light..

When you’re feeling lonely

Let me be your light..

To wipe the tears from your eyes

Let me be your light..

To stir your passion deep inside
Let me be your light..

To comfort you troubled mind

Let me be your light..

When you can’t see your way

Let me be your light..

When your heart is heavy

Let me be your light..

When all seems lost

Let me be your light..

When the pain is to much


Let me be your light..

When you’re longing for a hug

Let me be your light..

When fear hits your life

Let me be you light..

When you hunger of my love

Let me be your light

Because you have been my light.. In the blindness of my heart.. as I was searching for your love.. because you could see that you are the light of my life..

Today..

Tomorrow..

And forevermore..

I love you.. My woman..

My light!

#24_7_MAN

He’s a family man who still believes in the power of love in spite of life happening all around him every day. 

In his own words…

Songwriter / Producer / New to Poetry

I’m a producer, songwriter and I sing when I need to!

I’m also enjoying my challenge(s) and love to grow in my writings of poetry. 

I’m 58 and raising my 7 year old granddaughter in New Jersey. 

I’m looking forward to writing and reading the poetry of others.

One my favorite pieces (that I’ve written):

This Is On Purpose!!

No this is not a dream.. No not a fantasy..

As you’re engaging in your excitement from your head to your toes..

Flowing from the rhythm of your heart..

I’m opened to moving slowly with care..

I’m not in a hurry.. I’m taking my time..
There’s no rush to release your passion.. 

That surpasses anything and everything.. 

That your mind could ever comprehend..

I’m drown to your sounds.. I can’t help it..

Feeling your moves.. your scent..

As you’re trying to control your imagination..
But your seat belt is off..

Yet you don’t want to control this..

You needed this.. I had to give this..

There’s no fear.. No more pain..

No more pressure.. This is personal.. 
This is always private.. It’s only for you and you alone..

You might think I’m crazy.. Maybe I’ve lost my mind lol..

No I’m being very deliberate with my love towards you..

Baby.. My Love..

This is on purpose!!

Next favorite piece:

We’ve spent a lifetime fighting battles.. overcoming wars..

Yet the sound of your voice removes my pain..

That’s when I knew that your fight was needed to be over..

It was not about me anymore.. you needed to be respected.. 

and protected.. 
I can see your heart.. I can feel your pain..

So I asked for your permission to give you my best..

You said yes and told me in my arms you could find rest..

So as I held you tight.. you told me that I need not fight..
You gave me permission to love you.. hold you.. to touch you..

To allow my lips to explore every curve of your body without fear or doubt..

As we embraced our passion, every sound, every moan, each movement..
Yes.. You gave me permission to love you without condition..

No need to war anymore.. so we let our guard down..

That’s when our love came in and both of us knew..

Together we stand..

Together we win..


e speaks…


Thank you for joining us here at http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com and stopping by the #WriterCrushWednesday series Joseph!! 

SUPPORT JOSEPH ONLINE!

IG.. joejam69

Email.. jles7@msn.com


Poetry, bio and photos included in this piece are the exclusive property of Joseph Stratton. No copyright infringement intended. 

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Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

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Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.