I knew this Slam was going to be a good one, the moment I stepped into the venue. The warm, dim lights made the large room feel welcoming and cozy. Friendly faces greeted me in English and Spanish. Volunteers, interpreters, storytellers, and audience members filled Anodyne – Walker’s Point with energy- it was electric! And just like that, the magic had begun.
Emcee Kennita Hickman immediately charmed the audience with her quick wit and excitement. The stage saw 3 newbies and 5 returning storytellers – each teller bringing their own take on the night’s theme: Parenting.
The theme invited storytellers to reflect on their personal parenting experiences both as children being raised and as parents raising their children. Two of my favorite stories of the night came from Alexandria HK and Serita Valmond: Alexandria recalled the moment she realized her mom was right about waiting to have sex, noting that the person she’d done the deed with truly wasn’t worth her time; Serita invited us to laugh with her about the time she forgot her second child in the house when getting ready to leave. Her older child reminded her that they were missing something!
For many, parenting is a journey. That rings true for Alba Jimenez. Alba expressed the joy and community she’s found raising her 3 sons, mentioning Angel, the smiling, tenacious student, and Dante, the “ladies man” and picky eater, who both have autism, celebrating their unique personalities. Alba’s experience parenting her sons resonated with everyone – hee-haws, jaja’s, ooo’s and awes filled the room as she spoke in Spanish and again when interpreted into English. The poignant, funny story earned her the audience favorite crown. (I can’t wait to see what she’ll bring to the ALL STARS stage!)
Thank you to all the folx who shared a “parenting” story that evening: Sandy Brusin, Dan Lococco, Alexandria HK, Alba Jimenez, Ryeshia Farmer, Serita Valmond, Monica Thomas, Tom Matthews.
You made this a night to remember.
This StorySlam also marked the soft launch of Ex Fabula’s matching campaign. Thanks to an anonymous donor, all contributions to Ex Fabula will be matched up to $10,000. That includes donations, membership renewals, etc. Even better, new contributors will be matched twice. So if you aren’t a member and you join at the $60 level, the donor will give Ex Fabula $120! You’ll get a year of great benefits AND help Ex Fabula to achieve the match. To give or learn more visit $10,000 Season 14 Matching Campaign.
Huge thanks to event sponsors Norris Inc and Red Oak Writing; Ex Fabula Board member and Executive Director of ALAS Elsa DiazBautista who loaned interpreting equipment; ADECCO Spanish Language interpreters; Ex Fabula staff and volunteers especially bilingual volunteer Brandi Hernandez; venue Anodyne – Walker’s Point. Their support helped make this experience possible (and fabulous).
Photos by: Art Montes
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