By Tammy Reese
Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter uses her poetry to bring attention to social issues and advocate for change. Through her powerful words, she sheds light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. By addressing these issues head-on, she inspires others to take action and work towards a more inclusive and just society.
After a period of absence, Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter shares her journey of rediscovering her love for the arts. Through her poems, she delves into the emotions and experiences that led her back to the world of poetry. Her words capture the essence of the human experience and resonate with readers on a deep level.
Please tell our readers about your passion for the arts and poetry.
My passion for the arts & poetry stem back to when I was a little girl. I fondly remember when I was in the 4th grade; I received a supporting role in our school play about George Washington Carver for Black History Month. That experience sparked my love for the arts. I had a very small part of playing his mother, Mary Carver. I remember shortly before the play was presented to the school, I took ill. I was so excited to play the role, I pleaded with my parents to let me fulfill my role even though I had a slight fever and a bad head cold. To my surprise, they obliged and my love for the arts and the stage began.
Up until my collegiate years, I periodically took roles in a school play or performed pieces of my poetry in talent shows. One of the highlights of my undergraduate career at Syracuse University was competing and winning the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Jabberwock which is a talent showcase for students on campus. I performed a piece entitled “I am Africa, I am the Nile.” I had a real affinity for the stage. Over the years, I have continued to support the arts on a local and national level.
What can you share with us about some of the latest creative projects you are a part of or working on?
I am currently writing poetry that I plan to share with my local community as a way to inspire while continuing to develop my craft. I am planning to participate in a few spoken word events and local writer associations. I love the raw artistry of the local set and think it’s a good way to keep grounded and authentic.
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Why do you think arts, entertainment, and poetry are vital to our society in our current climate?
The arts are the heart and soul of our global culture. As a youngster, the arts gave me an outlet for expression and a way to process things that I did not fully understand. I was able to find my voice in a way that afforded me creative freedom.
Music, theater, fine arts, dance, and poetry all have the unique ability to reveal a deeper reality. The arts are pure with the power to transcend our own self-interest and touch the world with more honesty, integrity, love, humor, justice and hope. We must preserve the arts and find ways to expand all art forms, especially to young people who need outlets of artistic expression.
Can you share a couple of poems with our Heart of Hollywood Magazine readers?
Yes, I’d love to.
Nameless Child By Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter
The cost of love is high
Sixteen is too young to die
Before your womb had taken form
I was born into the flame of
Heart pain and ghetto shame
Nobody even knew your name
Nameless child
Let’s hear your voice
Nameless child
Let’s feel your presence
Nameless child
Let’s see your face
And write your name
In sacred space
Keep Watch By Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter
With no watch on the tower
They pillaged your vessel
And crushed your flower
They snatched your essence
This evil power
But I minister to God
Through your memory
Love is my energy
Hope is my core
Peace is my act of war
What do you want the audience to take away from hearing or reading a poem that you wrote?
I always want people to feel that there is hope regardless of their situation or circumstances in life. I particularly want to give voice to women and women of color. Perhaps, someone with a similar situation will connect with my poetry and get the strength to walk through their valley and be reminded that green pastures, still waters and a Good Shepherd will comfort them.
What’s next for you?
I plan to keep writing poetry and publishing a book. Additionally, I plan to keep supporting the arts both locally and across the country. I am a work in progress. I hope to evolve into the best version of myself.
Get connected on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colette.matthewscarter/
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TAMMY REESE
Tammy Reese began her career as a theater actress performing in 60 live stage shows a year with The Media Unit TV and Stage Production Company. She also directed the weekly live TV show Rough Times Live.
Eventually, she went to Empire State College to obtain her degree in media studies. After graduation, she did more theater and wrote and produced her own videos to spread awareness on social issues through the arts.
Tammy is an award-winning journalist and is best known for her legendary interviews with Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Sigourney Weaver, Phylicia Rashad, Billy Porter, Luke Evans, Geena Davis, Morris Chestnut, Essie Davis, Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Michael James Shaw, Ross Marquand, Merritt Wever, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Giancarlo Esposito, Meagan Good, Jennifer Connelly, Laurence Fishburne, Vivica A. Fox, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, Nelly, Ryan Coogler, Carmen Electra, Tom Arnold, Michole Briana White, and many more.
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