From a QWOC in Japan: “I have learned that I cannot do it on my own and that as much as I perhaps took credit for what I knew and what I learned, I realize that I always had a constant source of support to fall back on. Now that these friends – my family – are many miles away, I am left to navigate this world, for the first time, as a true outsider.”
Letta Neely
Letta Neely is a spoken word artist who has authored two books of poetry, “Juba” and “Here,” and was named “Best Local Author 2001″ by a Boston Phoenix reader’s poll. Twice a Lambda Literary Awards finalist for lesbian poetry, Letta frequents poetry readings around New England and is a regular slam poetry winner. She is an ardent civil rights activist who has done anti-homophobia training and educational outreach. Letta has also conducted writing workshops privately, in public schools, and at juvenile detention centers.
At last year’s OUTSPOKEN, Letta charmed the standing-room-only crowd at Middlesex with her sharp humor, no-nonsense political commentary, and poetry as the official MC. There was no question in the organizers’ minds about inviting her back to perform for the second installment. No doubt, including Letta Neely once again has contributed to the buzz about town as QWOC+ enthusiasts cumpulsively check their calendars for their next opportunity to answer Letta’s call of “O-BA-MA!” with “Barack, Barack!”
Below is a video of one of the pieces Letta performed last year…
