K. Love Reminds Us What Melanin Is Worth
The exact origins of poetry are unknown. The influence of poetry on culture is undeniable. Poetry today is used to express emotion, tell stories, and even create art. That's precisely what Kendria “K Love” Harris does through her many forms of work. Despite her busy schedule, Harris manages to find time to write and perform enthralling works of poetry-- a career path that started in an unconventional way.
"I started doing poetry as a way of getting over a breaking up with my first love," she told Rolling Out. " He had already found his purpose and passion and stayed busy doing that. Meanwhile, I stayed busy loving and looking for him. One day during a phone argument about me wanting more of his time, mid-argument he paused and said, “Aye, you need to find you something to do!..” I don’t think he meant to offend me, but he definitely did. That was the best thing he could have said to me. I found the spoken word."
It's not unheard of for a Chicago native to have a way with words. Check out Dreezy, Mick Jenkins, and Saba to name a few. Kendria shared why Chicago stands out from the rest of the pack saying, "I think it’s our ability to express ourselves in a way that everyone can relate to. We tend to be more deliberate than abstract in our writings. We’re honest and extreme in the words and the way we choose to use them. We’re blunt and intense, just like the lives that we live or observe with living in a city like ours. All things [are] real, hardcore, heartfelt and unapologetic." The latter is an aspect Harris aims to make a movement with one of her books, For Smart Mouth Girls. The objective of this book is for it to be a tool to assist young black girls. It's a guide on how to use their smart mouths appropriately. This book, intentionally written in urban dialect, reinforces the timeless teaching method of rhythm and rhyme. It's meant to be "a light–hearted approach to introducing uncomfortable but critical conversations" that must be had with our little girls. A conversation with a little girl who wanted her skin to be light helped sparked the inspiration for the viral poem, 'Million Dollar Melanin'.
"They called my mama a tar baby, but I'm that star, star baby-- the morning star, maybe" the poet penned. "I wanted to write a poem that showed my mother how beautiful she is and was. My skin is the same as hers was and I am proud to have it." Kendria's words can be seen as a reflection of all of us and the prejudice we continue to face daily, not only from our counterparts but from each other. "I also wanted to empower others who felt this way about the colorism that exists in the Black family at large."
On her legacy, Harris says this, “I want to be remembered as a person that loved and lived passionately and was transparent. A lover, a healer, a friend to the friendless. I want people to remember an experience of love with me.” For those pursuing their dreams, K. Love leaves the following words of encouragement; "Don’t look for a roadmap or a pamphlet on how to do anything. It doesn’t matter how it’s been done. Your way, whatever that may be, is the right way to do it. Believe in that. You are a creator; don’t be afraid to create a way that hasn’t been paved."
Keep an eye on Kendria's crafts or purchase her books at the links below.
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Sources: Affinity , Rolling Out , These Days
