Image Credit: Bria Lauren
Today we’d like to introduce you to Morganne Nikole.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Morganne. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Since I was a child, I have always felt drawn to the art of writing. I remember creating hyper-imaginative stories in grade school and feeling powerful when I could use my words as a tool for expression. I was a mostly quiet child verbally, so for a long time writing was my primary tool for communication. I have always felt most alive on paper.
I competed in a couple of poetry slams in high school and continued my writing in college. While completing my Master’s Degree in Journalism, I was a freelance music writer for Saint Heron and the Dallas Observer Music Blog.
Although I have received formal training in various types of writing, I cling to short form poetry the most because poetry teaches me to trust in the voice beneath my conscious thinking. It challenges me to let go of my ego and open myself to my true thoughts. I kept this same freedom to self-publish my first book “write”- a compilation of poetry, released on my 25th birthday in 2016.
Since then, I have adopted the social media platform to share my writings and invite others to potentially see a piece of themselves in work.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. Writing is the most complex and anxiety driven self-care practice I choose to love. I have to constantly remind myself to expect nothing in order for something to manifest.
I feel the depth of emptiness very often because it is extremely difficult to create an honest and vulnerable body of work despite the pressure I put on myself and my long term relationship with insecurity.
When I share online I constantly have to fight the “will anyone care,” “am I good enough,” “is this meaningful” question scenarios. I have to check myself often and remember my “whys.”
I am learning to let go of the pressure to uphold an online consistency for the sake of content, and only create when I feel true and authentic. If I can’t validate myself for myself, then I might as well forfeit my commitment to my creative journey. If I can’t be me, I can’t do it then.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am an expressionist who uses writing as a healing tool. I produce various forms of merchandise to affirm and encourage others that they matter despite what the world may think of them. One of my favorite four-word affirmation poems I have written is “KEEP GOING, YOU MATTER.”
KGYM is a call to action for freedom and inclusion without condition or terms. One of the main things that sets me apart with my writing is that it comes from my own heart and soul. While the words can easily be duplicated, the pulse of me cannot.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the widespread creative energy that pulsates naturally through the city. Since we are in the south, sometimes people are less evolved and more close-minded to people and things that fall outside of their orbit.
As a queer black woman, I shake up the flavor very often with my attributes alone. I have to fight for free space more often than not and that alone calls for a certain kind of powerful creativity. I use my experiences with oppression as a tool of strength and creativity to re-articulate my value and create safe spaces for like-minded communities.
I believe if you wait for anything or anyone to meet your expectation or validate you, you become a waiter and not an innovator.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://morgannenikole.com/
- Email: morgannenikole@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changingwomon/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
