Welcome to the Rare Spotlight, a place to shine light on those rare gems that illuminate the world, unnoticed. They are poets. They are artists. They are singers. They are musicians. They are visionaries molding beauty against the backdrops of their passions. They are beautiful, and we should pay attention. Welcome to the Rare Spotlight.
A messenger is a living, breathing extension of their message. Nowhere else is that more the case than with LaToye Manley. I remember not being able to sleep one morning, which with me is nothing new, and I found my way to a Blog Talk Radio program (shouts out to the host, Huniie the Messenger) where I discovered Ms. Manley. I was overwhelmed. Captivated while thinking "who is this woman was fuels me to be so much better than I am", I did some research and what I found continues to leave me in awe. Ms. Manley is a unique force that reiterates the words when you hear her speak them, "I was born a poet..." Her writing is crafted of powerful words, meant to move and motivate. She is a poetic breath of fresh air blended with a rush of needed truth. Socially conscious, ever aware, Ms. Manley lists Sonia Sanchez, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Charlotte Bronte, and Edgar Allen Poe among her many inspirations. I am full of conviction, knowing that upon entrance into her world, you will forever be changed for the better. Introducing the phenominal Ms. LaToye Manley.
A messenger is a living, breathing extension of their message. Nowhere else is that more the case than with LaToye Manley. I remember not being able to sleep one morning, which with me is nothing new, and I found my way to a Blog Talk Radio program (shouts out to the host, Huniie the Messenger) where I discovered Ms. Manley. I was overwhelmed. Captivated while thinking "who is this woman was fuels me to be so much better than I am", I did some research and what I found continues to leave me in awe. Ms. Manley is a unique force that reiterates the words when you hear her speak them, "I was born a poet..." Her writing is crafted of powerful words, meant to move and motivate. She is a poetic breath of fresh air blended with a rush of needed truth. Socially conscious, ever aware, Ms. Manley lists Sonia Sanchez, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Charlotte Bronte, and Edgar Allen Poe among her many inspirations. I am full of conviction, knowing that upon entrance into her world, you will forever be changed for the better. Introducing the phenominal Ms. LaToye Manley.
Questions:
1) Name/ Stage Name
born LaToye Manley/Lyrical~Toye
2) Current City/Hometown
2) Current City/Hometown
Bellefontaine OH/Newport News VA
3) Right now, you are (literally).....
3) Right now, you are (literally).....
Eating
4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
4) When did you fall in love with poetry?
10 years old 1986
5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I am a Spoken Word Artist/Poet/Writer/Mother/Student. I know thats a lot of slashes but I wear alot of hats. I am honest giving nurturing & genuine. I spend so much of my time trying to inspire change not just in myself and others. I like to have a good time and laugh and enjoy myself. I can be overly impulsive. I am a true friend and believe in loyalty and fidelity.
6) Five years ago, you were.....
5) Describe yourself in one paragraph
I am a Spoken Word Artist/Poet/Writer/Mother/Student. I know thats a lot of slashes but I wear alot of hats. I am honest giving nurturing & genuine. I spend so much of my time trying to inspire change not just in myself and others. I like to have a good time and laugh and enjoy myself. I can be overly impulsive. I am a true friend and believe in loyalty and fidelity.
6) Five years ago, you were.....
working as a shift manager at Rally's
7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
7) Five years from now, you want to be.....
running my own business Lyrical Vizhen
8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....
8) Your entire day is ruined unless you can.....
have a pepsi...
9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)
9) If you were a color, which would you be, and why? (Lol..I had to throw in one of these type questions)
I am many shades but I guess blue...its tranquil calming and vibrant.The shade of me thats blue is down to earth and people love that side of me.
10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
When I read my first piece out loud at my mothers funeral
10) One moment in your life, when you were the proudest
When I read my first piece out loud at my mothers funeral
11) One moment in your life, which you regret most
I dont live with regret and wouldnt change one thing in my life the circumstances that i have walked thru have all made me who i am.
12) Write whatever you feel....
As a poet(any entertainer/artist) I believe that we have a responsibility to those that follow us and support our work. To be irresponsible with peoples heart spiritual mental conditions I think to not just be insensitive but completely short sighted. I am my brothers keeper. I heard a quote not sure who by but it said "A community is only as strong as its women" as a woman of color I believe its my job to hold other women accountable for their actions just as they should do me, as well as holding men accountable for their actions. We are a collective so we should start living like it.
13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
www.lyricaltoye.com
13) Links/websites/places where the readers can check out your work
www.lyricaltoye.com
(I'm going to add an additional link, because I think her opinions are very relevant and inspiring www.lyricalvizhen.blogspot.com/)
Also you can find her on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/HisPoetess
Of course, I'd like to thank Ms. Manley for completing this.
And I'll leave you with a poem that I feel best captures the prolific messenger. Enjoy.
the Rare Poet
