Meet Lydia Watson: manager of community impact and our resident poet

In her day job, Lydia Watson manages several of United Way’s community impact initiatives, including the emergency food and shelter program and Winter Assistance Fund. Lydia is deeply passionate about and committed to our community and routinely says, “I do not think there is a problem that can’t be solved, as long we are willing to work together.”

For Black History Month, we asked Lydia for her inspiration for the month-long celebration. We then learned United Way had a talented and passionate resident poet in our midst.

“Black Liberty” by Lydia Watson

You wrote “Black Liberty” in celebration of Black History Month. Is this the first poem you’ve written, or do you regularly express yourself through poetry?

This is definitely not my first poem ever written, although when I wrote this specific piece, I was a little terrified as I had not been in my “writer’s flow” for some time.

When I was a youth, my mother enrolled me in a community theater program for kids –The Asante Children’s Theatre (today known as the Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis) – and let me not forget to mention that I was (and maybe still am) an extremely introverted individual. My father would always tell me that he and my mother would worry if I would ever learn how to talk. I believe they saw this as an opportunity for me to get involved with the arts and possibly find something social, fun and confidence building.

We would meet once a week in a small gymnasium at the Christamore House on the westside of town led by the one and only Ms. Deborah Asante. Her extraordinary gift at storytelling and filling up the room was incredible. It was always difficult to explain what I felt in her presence. I was both terrified at her crisp boldness and liveliness but lured in and inspired to jump into her pool of exhilaration and artistic joy. She had these big eyes and booming voice that would crescendo and decrescendo at any second to add flavor to her spice.

I admired her and feared her, to say the least. Could I ever do what she could do? Could I ever be that bold in my own skin. Could I, too, learn how to get up with some much joy and give some much energy – LIFE – to a room. Would the room hear me? And would the room respond as I just did and be pleased?

The camp was all about giving participants the opportunity to explore their artistry or develop a form that could be nurtured into something meaningful. I will never forget when my opportunity came. It was simple and it was small. But although small, it would forever change the way my voice showed up.

She gave the group an assignment. She handed us all a piece of paper and a pencil while instructing us to write down what was on our minds. It could be about anything. We were supposed to be in our poetry unit, but this didn’t seem like a proper assignment (as though I thought). The assignment came with one restriction – we could not stop writing until her timer ran out! I thought to myself, this is crazy! How could you expect for me not to take a break? To move this story along, I completed the assignment and was asked if she could read it aloud. She took my scribbles, word for word, and filled the air with what sounded like a masterpiece — and it was what came out of me!

I was instantly struck with overwhelming feelings of amazement and disbelief. What I thought was ramble was sweet, perfumed poetry. From that point on I decided that I would write again and again, and maybe each time I write something, it would have an impact on the reader and the listener. My hope is that my words would always tinker with one’s thoughts and emotions to invoke a little bit of brightness, pause and consideration, or a “wow” moment that would simply make them break from their day to day to feel centered or purposeful – maybe lured into something they didn’t think possible, but in a good way.

Over the years I have written other pieces for different sorts of occasions, such as high school Black history convocations, talent shows, church services and maybe a couple of open mic nights. I would admit that I am a bit of a stingy writer as I take every invite mindfully, especially if it’s made public. While I regularly express myself through poetry, there are countless logs the world will probably never see, but I’m ok with that.

Tell us more about the meaning, the message of “Black Liberty.” What do you hope the reader takes away from your work?

The meaning behind “Black Liberty” is a quick rendering of an honest and difficult experience that is hard to talk about straightforward. Its purpose was to acknowledge pain and strife but to also illuminate a testimony that is undeniable.

I wanted to be a bit nostalgic and fierce. I also desired to exhort in a way that not only Black people who relate to, but even those who do not have the experience could overcome their own complexes, histories and hindrances. I believe the Black story really is all people’s story.

There’s a scripture that comes to mind: Revelations 12:11. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

This verse speaks to chosen people but who were everyday people like you and I who thought it was a privilege to go through tribulation and trial for the honor of the one who saved them – Jesus Christ. It tells of an enemy that had to be defeated and overcome. It tells of an oppressor and a liar whose only mission was to destroy the actual chosen, everyday people of God. But in this short sentence, the “him” was overcame. I also like to say, this enemy was overthrown! His power and strength were spoiled, and it was only spoiled by a pure sacrifice and collective testimony.

I like to think I have a testimony to tell, and if I tell it in an unselfish manner, it will uplift those around me. Black history is a collective testimony of experiences that, if embraced, gives hope and strength. I want people to take away just that. Don’t despise hardship; own it, recognize the impact of its existence and explore where we can go from there. 

How long did it take you to write/refine “Black Liberty?” What’s the easiest part about writing this piece and what was the hardest part?

Technically this piece was written in a short span of time compared to others I have written – in about an hour or two. I say technically, because for me poetry is always present in thought and mediation – getting it in ink is usually 10 to 20% of the process.

I think I will continue to refine it as I see fit in the coming months or years. I don’t believe poetry really ends. I think readers subconsciously continue the poem in their hearts and soul whether they ever write it down or not. Poetry is very much a part of who we are, some have only learned how to articulate it in a more widespread type of way.

The poetry I write is intended to lead others to continue its narrative in some form whether that is a written response, a group discussion, or an attempt to pull out what speaks the loudest to them. The hard part is allowing the piece to meet individuals right where they are.

It’s intimate, and as an introvert, intimacy is difficult at times when you don’t know your readers personally. It’s also a touchy subject to discuss in many workplaces, homes for that matter. The easiest part of writing is the freedom you have to pencil your heart. It’s not restricting to rhyme, cadence or word choice, or grammar even. This piece is part of a lived experience that I’ve had years to meditate on that the expression was not any expression that I had to tap into because it is always present. 

Who are your favorite poets – historically or currently?

Richard Wright, Maya Angelou and Chidera Favour (spoken word artist). I would have to add an unpublished author – my mother Sylvia A. Worthington Butler. May she rest in Heaven. 

How do you celebrate Black History Month in your home? 

This is difficult to answer. My family must celebrate Black history all year long. Because of the society we live in and some of the hurtful situations and realizations that my family and children have experienced (even at the elementary age) has called for more integration of Black history that empowers them to be individuals, encourages their success and gives them peace of mind and direction.

We often try to keep a balance of literature and documentaries that are informational but also kid friendly. We link up with family and enjoy each other’s company. Probably one of my favorite ways of integration is through our church and highlighting the portions of Black history as it relates to the Black church, its motivations, key players and spirit. We sing songs, dance, eat good food!