HomeBase Poetry Open Mic

Need 10-15 ppl to be the ‘crowd’ 4 HB to recite to 4 a documentary about his poetry journey. Tmrw morn 9:30-12, Dwntwn Phx. Msg me if ur down, pls. Thx 😁

📣 Celebrate National Black Business Month with the Black Chamber of Arizona!

Throughout August, we’re shining a spotlight on Black-owned employer firms and entrepreneurs across Arizona, connecting them to valuable resources and opportunities. From business summits to providing free certifications and economic empowerment programs, we have a packed schedule designed to inspire and elevate!

Join us in recognizing the invaluable contributions of Black entrepreneurs and discover how you can support and engage with our vibrant community.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Email: [email protected]

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!!

Arizona Black Rode!, Are we there yet? Not Yet, August 30-31 West World Scottsdale!

See Two Time Grammy Winner Gregory Porter at Chandler Center for the Arts August 17
Use on line Promo Code AZIN get $4.00 off https://www.ticketmaster.com/.../event/1900608CDF684819...

Save The Date the Alphaa Kappa Alpha Annual HBCU Fair Wednesday September 25 9a - 2p at Phoenix College 1202 W. Thomas Phoenix: HBCU Grads: Samuel L jackson, Ophrah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr. Kamala Harris, Common, Erkah Badu!

WE'RE BAAAACK!* The Buy Black Marketplace by Archwood Exchange is back in a MAJOR WAY! Come celebrate with us as we cut the ribbon on our new permanent home and discover all of the great things we have planned for the community! THE ARCHWOOD AT EASTLAKE Saturday August 3rd11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Free Entry! 1401 E Van Buren St. PHX

Arizona Jazz Fest Fall 2024! Get your tickets at azjazzfest.com - Get Yours Now!
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of music at the AZ Jazz Fest on October 25-27, 2024!

KINFOLK & CULTURE Back to the Books School Supplies Party Sat August 3 11a -3p 4331 W. Bell Rd, Glendale

The Legion reopens 1st Friday...This Friday

My amazing sister Angela Ware is hosting a 5 day Ireland vacation sweepstakes through her travel company. She is the BEST at everything she does. Check this out and you may WIN (take me with you 😁)!

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Salt and Pepper Smiles

My short life has been long,
Littered with the worse pains
And decorated with the brightest joys,
From peach fuzz
To salt and pepper.
From endless energy
To knees that ache unprompted.
My life has been rich
With the diversity of destitution
And unrivaled wealth.
I have lived.
Both discarded and embraced.
With both honor
And regrets.
Efficient memories that remind me
Of the totality of my life,
The fullness of my days.
I smile, genuinely,
Knowing I have experienced the lowest valley,
While most only cherish and strive for the mountaintop;
But I live there too.
A duality only the grown can appreciate.
I have been betrayed
And I have been praised.
My exuberating motivation
Stands on the back of my depression and grief.
My strength is derived from my weakness
Like my leadership is fed
By my submission.
Both self-adoration
And deprecation,
Sometimes
At the same time.

The dichotomy of my days,
Like my salt and pepper,
Are mature
And attractive.
I flunked
And graduated.
A life riddled with failure
And enveloped by achievement.
Broken hearts
And unbridled, unrivaled love.
The embrace of imperfection.
Who wants only joy?
So one dimensional,
So unrelatable.
I wouldn’t trade my pain for a million smiles.
It’s my devastation that make my smiles mean so much more.
I was smart
Now I’m wise.
I ache with loss,
And I flourish with abundance.
I mourn
And celebrate simultaneously.
I am not a one-word answer.
I am not a simple statement.
I am a complicated and brilliant
Run-on sentence with incorrect grammar and bad punctuation.
I quarantine
while never feeling so connected
To the world,
But more importantly
In tune with myself.
I don’t smile in spite of my hurt.
I smile because of it.
I rejoice
What most people detest.
This is why I am complete,
Joyful imperfection.

5-20-2020
Harold G. Branch III

HomeBase Poetry is THIS Sunday with Eazi Benjamin! Midwest to the South to the SouthWest! New to the valley and on the way to being a national name! Come check out our newest resident and LAST HOMEBASE Poetry of 2023!!! www.goodenergyproductions.com

This Sunday Poetry with Eazi Benjamin at HomeBase Day Poetry 12/3 We are Good Energy in the East Valley WARNING: Master Poet moves Arizona! EAZI BENJAMIN is here and your feature poet THIS SUNDAY, Dec 3rd HomeBase DAY POETRY in downtown Chandler Poets and more come