Spoken Word Artists Fight Child Labor

By ASHLEY YOUNG
Contributing Writer

A group of local poets and spoken word artists fought child labor on Friday night. The Urban Guerilla Theatre and the Albany Social Justice Center collaborated to host the fundraiser Fashion for the People.

The performance took place at The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio on Central Avenue. It included music, poetry, a fashion show and auction. The fashion show also showcased pieces from local vendors that design and sell their own clothing. Audience members had the option to purchase the clothing after the show or visit the stores at a later date.

The Urban Guerilla Theatre is composed of seven artists who use spoken word, music, poetry, and theater to express themselves while exploring topics such as life, love, loss, and social issues.

Their events typically feature a DJ and a five piece band that plays during and in between performances. At an Urban Guerilla Theatre event last month, the group had the entire audience dance two versions of the electric slide and held a “sexy strut contest,” where the women in the audience modeled their shoes. The winners received prizes including shoes and jewelry.

The group takes pride in its originality in encouraging audience participation. Their performances cater to all types of people said Darian Gooden, 31, an active member who also produces the graphic designs for the group, including fliers. The poets include beginners who read their poetry and experienced performers who thrive on putting on a show for the audience.

The topics that the poets choose to cover are based on their personal lives. One of the members, Leslie Michelle Moore-Mazimba, 36, uses this strategy. She joined the group in 2010 after performing with the Urban Guerilla Theatre at the Linda, 339 Central Ave. earlier in the year. She shared her poem entitled, “Why Can’t You?” It was a heart-felt poem about homelessness inspired by her own experience, said Moore-Mazimba.

“I write mostly about myself and how I see the world. I’ve experienced life in general in great detail,” said Moore-Mazimba. “I write in depth about it hoping to help those who need it, especially women because women tend to be the ones who go through it the hardest.” Urban Guerilla Theater gives her the strength to talk to women so they do not feel isolated or misunderstood. She also addresses men so that they have the opportunity to learn how the women she represents feel, especially in relationships, said Moore-Mazimba.

The Urban Guerilla Theater also invites other artists to take part in the events they host. Daniella Watson, 19, a student poet from The College of Saint Rose was a visiting artist who watched the group during their performances.

“The performances were really very inspiring. There was an eclectic group of performers from spoken word poets to those with a more traditional style, neo-soul singers to indie vocalists, rappers and comics,” Watson said. “UGT’s house band was the perfect musical vertex that drew the crowd’s attention to the stage and livened up the atmosphere.” She said she was inspired to create new poetry because of the creative energy maintained throughout the event.

Both active and former members represent the group wherever they go. They promote themselves by wearing personalized t-shirts and informing various crowds about Urban Guerilla Theatre in solo and group performances. In this way, their name and talents are continually showcased throughout the Capital District.

“All over Albany, somebody’s representing Urban Guerilla Theatre,” said Gooden.

Carlos Garcia, 27, a financial analyst at General Electric was invited to join last October. He was searching for an avenue to perform and develop himself as an artist. The Urban Guerilla Theatre gave him that opportunity. He began to visit Tierra Coffee Roasters on 1038 Madison Ave., when it was still known as the Muddy Cup.

Garcia was interested in the open mic events held at Tierra Coffee Roasters on Monday and Tuesday evenings and decided to perform one of his pieces entitled, “My Dreams.” He chose the poem because it shows how being educated is not as important as knowing oneself. It inspires people to fully understand themselves so that they can apply the knowledge they gain to make a positive difference in society, said Garcia.

“That poem was actually one of those that forces people to think about what it takes to be a better person,” said Garcia.

He has performed at the Tierra multiple times, representing the group and bringing poetry to the Pine Hills neighborhood. He last visited the coffee house in September.  He enjoys the open mic events because he likes the vibe and atmosphere. He said it is a safe environment where everyone is welcome and free to share regardless of their style of expression.

Founded by Wright in 1998, the group is flexible and unorthodox. Other artists may wonder how to join, but membership is extended by invitation only. Artists are invited to join the group when they seem to be serious about what they are doing, said Gooden, a 1999 graduate of Albany High School.

The invitation comes with the obligation to take part in at least three performances within six months that prospective members must advertise and cross-promote through ticket sales. The group then votes to either accept or deny the artist. Wright said they can tell which artists are serious about their craft and will be assets to the group because of their passion. An artist must believe in their art and be willing to promote the group and not just themselves, said Wright.

“If your heart is in the right place, it’s usually a unanimous vote,” said Wright.

Once an artist is voted into the group, they become part of the family, said Wright. They all share the same goal, which is the freedom of expression and taking their creativity to higher levels. After a performance, they usually hang out together for hours discussing it.

Friday’s fundraiser was to benefit the Albany Social Justice Center, a community organization that combats oppression. Proceeds were used to work against to child labor and the exploitation of workers in the clothing industry. The event also raised awareness about local boutiques and designers that offer high-quality clothing made from all green materials, said Moore-Mazimba.

“I’m really happy to be a part of this project and I hope other people come and support our efforts,” said Moore-Mazimba.