About Marina

Tell us something about Marina the artist that most people would find surprising?
Let’s see, if I had to tell one thing, it would probably be that I am shy. However, once I get to know a person, then I open up, but initially, I'm a little shy.

How does that affect your writing/performing?
I don’t know that it does! I mean, I love to write and I especially love to perform and so I guess my alter-ego comes out through my gift. Besides, like I said, it’s only the initial meeting that my shyness is apparent.  Once I get on stage, or once I warm up to someone, whether it's performing or talking to them, I get over it.

Why did you write a book of poems for/about African-American boys/men?
I get asked that question a lot and my first thought is why not! Have you met one? (lol) Yet at the same time, I understand why people might ask that question. As for me, I happen to think God sprinkled a little something extra into the DNA of black men. There is something about their tenacity, fortitude, bravery, resilience, spirit...just their being that leaves me in awe.

Is there someone in particular that sparked that “awe” for you?
It probably began with my granddad. He was a pretty amazing man (smile). Not educated in terms of formal education, but yet a brilliant man. He was the kindest, gentlest, generous, funniest man I’ve ever met. I dedicated a poem to him in the book and although he has passed on, I still think of him often. He holds the honor of being the first man I fell in love with. But I’ve had numerous men in my life who have inspired me: my dad, the boys back in the day on the block when I was growing up that protected the girls in my neighborhood, the father figures in that neighborhood who looked out for everybody; I could go on and on!

How do men & women feel about your book?
Let’s talk about women first. Women love this book! When I was writing it, I thought I was writing it for men, but what I am finding is that women are relating to it just as much. I have had several women tell me that it empowers them, makes them feel good about themselves. It also gives them a different perspective of the boys/men in their lives, or the boys/men in their communities which I think is awesome!  It helps them to want to understand them more, to have more paticence with and for black men.  You can't imagine what hearing that does for mer.  The feedback I get from black boys/men is what drives me! It is the wind beneath my wings. I don’t know that I can express in words what their feedback does for my spirit. It’s beyond words.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book/message?
I don’t know that I want to accomplish anything in particular. What I really desire is to deposit and remind us all that God did a pretty amazing thing when He created us, and so I celebrate the gift that is us by uplifting black men in particular. I think there are too many negative images/lies being fed to black boys/men and they aren’t hearing/seeing the truth. So my goal is to negate those truths and feed them positive food, deposit positive messages. Remind them of who they are...Who created them and in doing this for black men, I hope we all remember who we are and Who created us and what we are capable of when we love one another.

Tell us about your poetry. What makes it different?
My poetry is amazing, I love my poetry! It is powerful, yet humble. My poetry can be read and understood by a six year old as well as a ninety-six year old. It is timeless. It has character, personality, moods, likes and dislikes, attitude, spunk. It is chic, sophisticated, vulnerable, free. It is universal. It is God expressed.

Closing thoughts, Marina?
Yeah, as a matter of fact I do have a closing thought.  You know, I've been fortunate to have people of all nationalities, faiths, colors, beliefs, socio-economic backgrounds, etc. who have supported me, and for that I am humble and grateful.  I think love is a universal message that we all speak.  So although, I have written this book to uplift, affirm and celebrate black men, I am finding it contains a message that speaks to us all.  And you know what, that shouldn't be surprising because in God there is no separation.  We are all one.