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Milwaukee Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton joined Milwaukee Magazine Editor and Publisher Carole Nicksin for a livestream lunch Monday.
Hamilton talked about her creative writing organization, Still Waters Collective, and her experience as Poet Laureate.
“Still Waters Collective is an initiative that uses the creative process and creative writing to build community and to build capacity and to build confidences,” Hamilton said.
The collective is in its 15th year and organizes creative writing workshops, programs and events for Milwaukee’s youth. Hamilton said the initiative does an important job of fostering creativity and establishing community, which is something she also strives to do as Poet Laureate.
“Knowing that the work I’ve done in creating community is also folded into the creative work that I put out as a poet has been incredibly fulfilling,” Hamilton said.
She also reflected on her experience during the pandemic.
“In this moment, I’m really mindful of being discerning, being productive and keeping busy,” Hamilton said.
Megan McGee, executive director of the storytelling organization Ex Fabula, joined the conversation to talk about “Backstory,” an upcoming event in honor of National Poetry Month. At this event, Hamilton and other Milwaukee poets will share the stories behind their poems. “Backstory” will be hosted online at 7 p.m. Thursday.
“I think once you see behind the scenes, you get an even deeper appreciation for the work,” McGee said.
