By Richardeen Williams. Updated 9:50 a.m., Thursday, September 28, 2022, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Vincentian author Zenna Lewis, 27, announced on Sunday 25th September 2022 that she is launching her first book.
She made the announcement via her Instagram story that she would be releasing the book – “Black Girls Soliloquy” – a three part book series sometime this week.
Who is Zenna Lewis?
The ‘woke’ poet, as she calls herself, is known for performing and writing feminist, equal rights, and pro-black poetry that captivates her audience with her ability to switch tones and evoke emotions of her audience. This has lead her to be awarded locally and regionally.
On the 27th of September 2022, One News SVG had an exclusive interview with Ms. Lewis; she said her writing journey began at the age of 13 during literature class with Miss Grace Peters at the St.Vincent Girls’ High School. She further stated that she did not exactly remember the title of the piece, however, the memory of her acing the assignment is still present.
When questioned, “Has poetry helped you cope mentally?” the writer said: “Poetry became my escape, whatever negative thoughts, actions or feelings I had, I never spoke it into my existence. I wrote it down, I never wanted it to become my reality.” She said poetry was a catalyst to attract and maintain a positive mindset which “aided” her the ability to become the best version of herself.
Although she received “tremendous” support after announcing her book release, the author told One News SVG that she encountered a challenge when writing her poems by getting “too personal.” When she wrote on “certain topics.”
An excerpt from one of the poems in the book
She gave One News SVG an exclusive portion of her favorite lines from a poem in her upcoming book called “Curse 2” where she stated it was her first time writing about romance and sex:
“everyday praying for that side of me
to die or dry….
for you I’ll die for you?
flip dignity, flip vows,
flip kids, flip status and flip me,
your one and only.”
Women’s empowerment through poetry
Zenna stated that she would like her readers to gain while reading her book.
“I do consider my self to not only be an activist but also a feminist and most of my poetry is geared at empowering women and also to shine a light on the many issues women face in 21st century St.Vincent and the Grenadines. Poetry is indeed important not only to showcase how diverse we are in field of creative arts or performing arts but it’s our responsibility as creatives to highlight and bring forward and address the issues that are affecting our young women and children; so I believe my audience are given a front row seat through my writing.”
She said that her poems were excellently written “to highlight issues such sexism ,racism,domestic violence, incest, prostitution, inequality, low esteem,anxiety and how important it is to create a safe and healthy environment for our women and children.”
While readers may think that Zenna is enjoying the fruits of her labor she is still reaping. The 27-year- old teacher stated that she already started working on part two of her book “Part two of my book is in progress. I didn’t want to put all my pieces in one book and make it too long and drown out. They’ll miss important parts of the book.”
When asked What impact do you hope to leave on this generation, she took a humble approach by encouraging youths, “To believe in one’s self regardless of where you’re from.” She also stressed the importance of investing in yourself and making the needed steps to accomplish ones goals. She further added, “never tell big dreams to small minded people”.
While readers may think that Zenna is enjoying the fruits of her labor she is still reaping. The 27-year-old teacher stated that she already started working on part two of her book “Part two of my book is in progress. I didn’t want to put all my pieces in one book and make it to long and drown out. They’ll miss important parts of the book.”
One News St.Vincent 