Meet Tekira Briscoe | Poet, Author & Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tekira Briscoe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tekira, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My mother raised my brothers and me unapologetically black and Christian in Bakersfield, CA. Everything my mother did was God-inspired and faith-centered. She prayed constantly, attended church faithfully, and tried her hardest to instill biblical principles into her three children. I can honestly say she did a job well done.

I grew up attending church, following my parents’ guidelines, and reading my Bible. I wasn’t a perfect child, but I tried to be. Looking back, I realize how much my people-pleasing personality mixed with my mother’s vigor and strength for all things Jesus, created a little black girl practically afraid of her own shadow. So I tiptoed through my childhood. Too scared of doing too much, being too much, and taking up too much space. The place I found the most solace was in poetry.

I started writing at an early age, and it was my lifeline. I wrote about anything and said everything I ever wanted to say. In between the pages of my black and white composition book is where I prayed and cried, cussed, and fussed. Yet, to this day, it is one of the greatest gifts God has given me, the ability to express myself through pen and paper.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a poet by nature. I always think and feel in terms of poetry. Yes, I can be that extra, but my creative mind and deep emotions make me a tender writer, and that’s what connects with people. But isn’t that what art is? How can the artist communicate with others creatively and for the admirer to feel seen and understood? That’s what makes art so touching yet intangible.

I am in the process of publishing my first poetry collection, Sown in Light, and it has been challenging. The biggest obstacle has been my mindset. I faced the same doubt that plagues most people who take the chance to expose their passion to the world, leaving it open for critique and ridicule. I often wondered if what I had to say was important enough. Who would read Christian-based poetry? Who am I to write and publish a book? I’m me. And that is enough.

My mantra for getting through the fear and anxiety that paralyzes me from moving forward and publishing the book is, “That’s not my business.” If people love or hate the book, that’s not my business. If the book excels or flops, that’s different from my business… it’s God’s business. I aim to be one foot before the other and keep moving forward. I can’t become so tied to a result or expectation that the journey is cumbersome and the purpose is lost. It’s going to touch who it needs to touch. Once it leaves me, it’s not mine. It’s for others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my friend around the corner to Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen in Inglewood one day and we would check out Sip and Sonder the next. We would have dinner at Alta, on the patio, and maybe swing by Dulan’s one day for lunch. For activities, we would catch an open mic here in Los Angeles, hopefully, it’s a week when SWAAM is open or find one that’s equally entertaining.

For a homebody like me, I’m not into big crowds and lots of noise, the most interesting things to do in LA are the most intimate and chill environments for me. I love a good low-key moment or small gathering that promotes more connection and familiarity. As a poet, the open mics are naturally my favorite, but I also like a good fireside chat, book signing, or backyard gathering. But seeing how my friends are like me, I think the activities I choose. would be just fine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have encouraged me and pushed me to ensure this book happened. I want to thank my husband, Kim, and my mom, Valencia, who supported me through my tears and frustrations. I also want to thank the Community Literature Initiative (CLI), created by Hiram Sims and all my CLI family and friends. You are some of the most brilliantly talented writers and poets I know. And let’s not forget Camari Carter Hawkins with Mama’s Kitchen Press. Thank you for believing in me and my writing. You are the best publisher and mentor a poet could ask for.

Website: https://naturallykira.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallykira/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiranaturally

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCotaGoWXW1PgV61bi46LPWg

Image Credits
Paige Wilson Gervel Sampson