Testimonials

"I cannot fully express how terrific my experience with TS and her incredible students was...but I will try. At the book release & signing of Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus, TS was both the MC for the evening and also the director of the youth performances. The event would NOT have been the same without her presence and impact.  She enhanced it and blew me and every audience member I spoke with away, evoking laughter, tears, and every emotion in between. TS was engaging, energetic, charismatic, funny, charming, spot on with information, and professional the whole way through. She moved the program along seamlessly and kept the crowd entertained. Her professionalism shone with the performers she oversaw from the Attic Youth Center. They created fully original pieces and were performed with such moving passion. They were heartfelt and flawless with a hint of drama that we could all relate to. I cannot recommend TS and Legacy and Lineage enough!!!!" ~Rachelle Lee Smith [author of Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus]

“I have always written poetry, but never took it seriously. When I joined Legacy and Lineage, it became obvious that I needed to take poetry very seriously. I was never comfortable with performing poetry, but while in Legacy and Lineage I'm starting to get comfortable. During these few weeks in Legacy and Lineage, I learned that if you are given a certain amount of time to complete and perform a poem, YOU CAN DO IT! I learned about anaphoras, which is not my favorite style of poetry and did song element a few times. Most importantly, I learned that working in groups and collaboration are very important. Legacy and Lineage inspired me to finish my stories, definitely write more poetry, and practice performing my poems.” ~Diaka, Attic Youth Center student

"Legacy and Lineage has taught me lots of useful lessons, some about poetry, and some about life, but most apply to both! TS taught me how to edit my poems so that I can remove the little words that get in the way of the message behind my poem. Words like 'the', 'like', 'and', etc. Editing my poems to remove these words has also affected how I talk to people; I consciously try not to say 'like' after every other word. This class has taught me that caveats or any other excuses not to perform your piece are unacceptable. You should be more than willing to share the most intimate parts of yourselves to others, especially your fellow classmates. One day this lady came to our class to tell us about a poetry festival, and TS asked her to perform a poem, AND SHE DID! Right on the spot, with no hesitation! She didn't come up with an excuse, and it taught me how cool and professional you look when you come prepared. I've also been learning how to work as a team with my classmates and urge them to meet deadlines, which makes me uncomfortable because I'm not the type of person that likes to tell others what to do. This class has taught me lessons that have not only made me a better writer, but a better person.” ~Tony, Attic Youth Center student

“I've been suffering from writers block for a long time. Being a recording artist in the music industry, writing is your bread and butter; there’s more to it than just singing. Joining Legacy and Lineage helped me conquer the writing block and look at music in a totally different way. It helps me realize that I can take risks that I don't always have to be that good church girl to touch people. I gained an open perspective at Legacy and Lineage; that if my song, my poem, my story makes sense to me who gives a damn about the naysayers. I WROTE THIS and IT’S GOING TO TOUCH SOMEONE! I believe in my work, now, thanks to Legacy and Lineage.” ~Tyyetta, Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy & Lineage has taught me about the ability I really have if I challenge myself. It’s taught me about more poetic art forms than I’ve ever known. It makes me want to be a writer, or at least someone inspirational. TS has taught me that thoughts and feelings don't have to be black and white when on a piece of paper, and that expression is unique to the individual and should always be welcomed.” ~Adrianna, Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy and Lineage has taught me that no matter who you are, where you come from, or what circumstances you've been thrown into, you can always find a place inside your own words. And sometimes that place might not always be perfect, it can be downright terrifying, but in all reality words are much more powerful than you think, and in the end can have some of the biggest impacts on the simplest ideas. Legacy and Lineage has taught me that the world of spoken word can become a second home, and even the dimmest stars can shine bright, once they find their voice.” ~Heaven,  Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy & Lineage has taught me a lot! First and foremost to be yourself; we express our minds and feelings through poetry. And I've learned that we had to use different techniques to make different poetry such as the music element where we had to make a chorus. Anyways I've been writing more pieces ever since I've been in Legacy & Lineage!” ~Kyah, Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy & Lineage inspired me to never give up on my writing. It is a skill that I possess but kept hidden. I stopped writing poetry a couple years ago but after joining the group I've been inspired to write again.” ~Key, Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy & Lineage has taught me many lessons on poetry. I have used different types of poetry I never used in the past. TS is a very good teacher and pushes you to go beyond your comfort zone and to be your true self. Legacy & Lineage has been a great experience truly and it has changed my view on poetry. I never disliked poetry but I didn't love it the way I do now since starting the class.” ~Dynasha, Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy & Lineage has taught me a lot about professional writing: when a deadline has been set, you must comply; you may not always connect or even like our particular piece, but we're all vessels who write poetry that connects with our readers; there is no bad poetry or bad poets, we all have the ability to write. I've also learned many more styles and types of poetry, as well as performing skills.” ~Nancy, Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy & Lineage has taught me how to express myself through words and voice. Also it makes me want to become a poet. TS is a very good teacher and like a mother to me. She helped me find the voice I had deep inside and showed me that I had a story and it had right to be heard.” ~Amaine, Attic Youth Center student

“Legacy & Lineage has basically invoked my inner potential. I’ve always loved poetry but Legacy & Lineage has made that fondness grow into an array of love for the words I spit from my mind to the paper. I’ve been inspired to write again, and to not only write words... but my story. TS has taught me to never give up on my goal; after all we are AmeriCANS not AmeriCAN'TS.” ~Robert, Attic Youth Center student