We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Whiteford St. Clair recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Village Engage is the local organizer of programs offered by JustFaith Ministries confronting the systemic problems of poverty, racism, and environmental inequity faced by our neighbors. They host an annual Faith & Justice Forum that brings together community members of all ages and backgrounds for building connections across differences.

During one of these events, I was invited to co-facilitate two poetry workshops with another local poet. We prompted participants to write poems about community and common ground. Once the poems were written, the poets were invited to share their words at an open mic, then encouraged to submit their poems to be included in an anthology made available to the public.

Witnessing individuals in the audience tap into their creative side to craft thoughtful works and embody the courage to speak their truths, enriching the experience, was truly rewarding.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Far from perfect and stuck on “mute.” Through a godsend, I discovered the power of poetry as a means of expression and transformation and found my voice in the fight for social change and equity.

I found myself emotionally affected by the rise in social injustice in the U.S., and dedicated myself to learning more about racism and systemic racism, to which poetry answered the questions and assignments of my study.

The work became a calling, and poetry continues as a processing mechanism.

I share my message of unity and social justice through interactive workshops, community events, poetry readings, and talks. I have been a contributing poet to several anthologies and publications.

I particularly enjoy sharing my work and poems, especially around the history maker, Harriet Tubman.

I am proud to report I have published three books of poetry and one workbook. I am grateful for the incredible network of support and guides along the way. There is a photo in the collage of me reading one of my mentor Joan Henderson Hodous’ poems at a celebration of her 90th birthday.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The mission statement for my life is to be a caring, collaborating, community-oriented citizen who strives to lead a healthy lifestyle. I consider myself a force-multiplier for any organization, be it contract virtual administrative services (my day job) or volunteer work. A goal with my poetry is to speak truth to power, truth to life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Constantly unlearning the whitewashed history I was taught and learning the full narrative of a collective history. Part of my work is sharing that homework #whitegirlhomework

Contact Info:

• Website: https://whitegirladvocacy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitegirladvocacy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitegirladvocacy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-girl-advocacy-llc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whitegirladvocacy
• Other: LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/melissastclair