A conversation with Kerry D. Brackett on poetry, community, and building platforms for local voices.
It’s an honor to talk to member Kerry D. Brackett, (Poet Kerry B), an award-winning spoken word artist and author who uses hip-hop and jazz influences for his poetry. He is currently pursuing his doctorate and serves as a faculty member in the Division of Humanities & Communications at Miles College in Birmingham, AL.
I want to start with that first question writers often wonder about each other, namely, the beginning of the writing. Tell us a little about how you came to writing and poetry--what part of it called you--and who encouraged you along the way.
Kerry B: I started become serious in writing poetry when I was a freshman at Berea College. I would write poems to help me cope with being far away from my hometown of Birmingham, AL. My roommate listened to most of my poems so I can see what I needed to edit. A lot of people read my poems on Facebook, including family and friends. I was serving in the Navy when an old college friend asked me when was I going to publish a book.
My first self-published chapbook Soul Appetizer: A Sampler was released in 2012. Due to support from family and close friends, I am able to keep writing and performing poetry today.
The role that family and community plays in supporting writers is critical for so many writers. I feel like we start off writing poems because we love it, because we can’t help it, because we can’t stop—and then entering the world of publishing can be a nightmare, a distraction from writing and investing in others. On that note, self—publishing offers one way for a writer to have more control and flexibility in the content of their book, and without tying up resources and energy in seeking publishers. That said, your most recent work is being published by Winn Publications. What would you tell poets who are trying to decide whether to self-publish their chapbooks? And what led you to move towards being published by a publisher?
Kerry B: Self-publishing was definitely a learning experience. I would tell anyone that is interested in self-publishing to make sure they are fully committed in their project. Self-publishing means you're in control of EVERYTHING (marketing, formatting, editing, etc.) While it sounds very promising, it's a lot of work as well.
I wanted to have the experience of getting published by a publisher, mainly because academia still frowns upon the stigma of self-publishing. I am thankful for having a great support group in helping me promote all of my endeavors, which is important for any writer.
Tell us more about Birmingham--your roots, your relationship to it, your favorite places, the ghosts, the people who come alive for you when you write.
Kerry B: Birmingham is what I call home. I was born and raised here. Every city that I travel to for performing poetry, I make sure they know that I am a son of Birmingham. I look to the mountain to see Vulcan's light.
My grandmother lives a couple of blocks away from the house of Angela Davis. Some of my favorite places to go are Legion Field (especially during the Magic City Classic), Miles College (where I currently teach English and creative writing courses), and the Civil Rights Institute.
When I write, I can hear the voices of those who couldn't speak for themselves. This is especially true for topics that need to be addressed. I am also a co-owner of the Majesty Lounge in Bessemer, where we have a platform for artists to share their gifts.
I can’t wait to hear more about Majesty Lounge, which you co-own with your wife, but before I get to that, I’m curious if there is any particular place in Birmingham that is a personal favorite, a source of reconnection?
Kerry B: My favorite spot would have to be my backyard, especially when it rains. It takes me back to when my grandfather, brother, and the men in my family would have deep conversations on my grandfather's porch. It always rained when we did. I love to go to my backyard and reflect while watching the rain. It's very soothing.
Your first two poetry books seem to center foodways and food traditions. How does food and poetry mingle in your work? And how is Surviving Myself, your most recent book, different?
Kerry B: I used food references for my first two chapbooks because I noticed how easy it was to write when food was around (I love to eat). Poetry and food have an interesting relationship. Each open mic/reading that I've attended has been a great experience when food was involved. Some of our most serious conversations were a little easier to bear when food/drink is involved (coffee, alcohol, etc.) Surviving Myself was a different turn in that I addressed issues that were a challenge in my daily life. I wanted to use my writing to express my feelings and thoughts about each topic.
I’ve heard Birmingham poets raving about it, but I’d like to ask you, personally, to tell us more about Majesty Lounge.
Kerry B: The Majesty Lounge opened in Bessemer, AL in 2018. My wife and I wanted to open a platform for artists in various genres to truly show what they can do in front of an intimate audience. We've had numerous poets and spoken word artists from around the country to perform in our venue.
We just celebrated our 2nd anniversary on May 30th. The venue is also open for anyone looking for a venue for birthdays, mixers, parties, etc.
The role of Historically Black Colleges is inspiring, and I don't read enough media talking about the way in which HBC's cultivate and sustain and nurture Black writers. Can you share a little about your experience with this--both the joys and the challenges--at Miles College? I'd also love to know how to share Miles' literary journals and groups with Alabama writers.
Kerry B: I truly enjoy teaching creative writing, especially poetry, at Miles College. It's truly inspiring to see a student's eyes light up when they read poems from the likes of Sonia Sanchez, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, etc. Some of the students have an interest in writing their own poems and love to tell me about their writing experiences.
One challenge that keeps occurring is that students don't see the financial benefits of creative writing, compared to the lucrative STEM majors. I always tell them that employers love to see recruits with great writing and critical thinking skills.
I started the Golden Word Movement (the campus poetry club) in 2018 to provide students a platform to share their poetry writing. We've competed in poetry slams, performed at open mics, and encouraged the campus to look at poetry/spoken word in a different light. The campus journal, Sanctuary, is another platform for student writers to show their work.
You can learn more about our upcoming virtual poetry slam on the Majesty Lounge Instagram page, as well as our virtual open mic on Thursdays. We are planning to open back up for a live show in the Fall. We also have a gift shop (shirts, hats, bags, etc).
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your work, your life, and your creations. I’d like to end with one of your poems, and let you speak and share from there. I’d also like to encourage fellow Alabama writers to support by buying books, inviting speaking engagements, and becoming part of the poetry scene at Majesty Lounge.
“Uncommon Hero”
I’ve sailed the Seven Seas
As a United States Sailor,
Defending this nation
That once called my people their property.
I share the same courage as
Crispus Atticus,
Willing to die for freedom.
Yet, I’m not recognized as equal.
I wore the same uniforms,
Received the same training,
Fought in the same wars...
But there are no parades for me.
No “welcome home” signs.
No chants of “USA!”
Even in full uniform, I’m asked
For my military ID on Veterans Day.
I bled the same blood.
I cried the same tears.
My brothers and sisters died the same deaths.
Yet, I’m just an uncommon hero.
Kerry Brackett (Poet Kerry B) is an award-winning spoken word artist and author who uses hip-hop and jazz influences for his poetry. Participating in open mics and readings throughout the nation, he is known for his rhyme scheme and style. His poetry is recognized to carry powerful messages, along with a passionate delivery. Kerry B is the author of the poetry books Soul Appetizer: A Sampler, An Open Table, and the new chapbook Surviving Myself. He has released four spoken word CD’s: Midnight Sunrise, Soulful Seductions, and Urban Griot, and the award-winning album Kadence of a Poetic Gentleman. Kerry B won a National Poetry Award in 2014 for “Freedom Poet of the Year.” He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Kerry B has a bachelor's degree in African and African American Studies and a masters degree in English & Creative Writing. He is currently pursuing his doctorate and serves as a faculty member in the Division of Humanities & Communications at Miles College in Birmingham, AL. Along with his wife, Kerry B is the co-owner of the Majesty Lounge in Bessemer, AL.
Alina Stefanescu serves as Website Editor for AWC.