Introduction

She has been called "a testament to the power of words to change lives." Patricia Smith, 2014 Guggenheim fellow and four-time individual champion of the National Poetry Slam, is the most successful competitor in slam history.

She has appeared on the award-winning HBO series, Def Poetry Jam. Smith writes about life on the street, involvement with gangs, hidden truths, and late-night drama.

Initial Post Instructions

After reading "What It's Like to Be a Black Girl," write your own poem of identity: What it's like to be ____________.

Keep in mind how Smith identifies not only her race but also her sex, age, and repetitive use of "it's." You do not necessarily have to write specifically on your race - pick one of your own identities.

Additionally, write a paragraph introducing your poem to your peers. What inspired you to write what you did? How did you approach the assignment? What do you feel now when you read the poem?

Writing Requirements

In addition to one initial post, respond to at least two peers.

Initial Post Length: minimum of 250 words

Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per post

Use APA format for in-text citations and list of references.