B.E.A.T. Productions Presents: R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Silvia Gina Hunt – Episode 17 “Flashback Friday

Silvia Gina Hunt hosts Episode 17 of R.E.A.L. Talk Self, which carries on B.E.A.T. Productions' goal of producing programming that is both culturally relevant and thought-provoking. Viewers are transported back in time to a memorable summer conversation between Hunt and her special guest and close friend, RonAmber Deloney, in this episode of "Flashback Friday." Deloney's distinct viewpoint as a poet and up-and-coming DJ weaves together a rich conversation about creativity, culture, music, race, and resiliency.

A Summer of Innovation and Change:

Hunt greets viewers to what she describes as a “special summer event” at the start of the episode, which starts off lightheartedly. Since her last appearance, Deloney says, her life has consisted of teaching, project management, and a surprising new hobby: DJing. Motivated by a mentor in Dallas at the "Keep Spinning DJ Academy," Deloney finished Level One training and has been establishing herself as a spoken-word DJ, a genre that combines turntable beats with poetic rhythms.

Despite being unorthodox, Deloney believes that spoken-word DJing is a logical progression of her artistic abilities. She poses the rhetorical question, "What if there were a way to mix Gwendolyn Brooks with Sonia Sanchez, or Langston Hughes with J Dilla?" DJing, according to Deloney, is about building connections between the voices of the past and present, music and literature, rhythm and resistance, and more than just spinning records.

Poetry to Turntables

Hunt draws attention to Deloney's history of using poetry as a platform to travel the world, from Germany to London. Deloney acknowledges that before she decided she wanted to invest in a new skill that would allow her to create with her hands while adhering to her love of poetry, she never saw herself behind turntables. She recalls being inspired years ago by a spoken-word record DJ in Munich. Her own artistic endeavors have now grown from that seed of inspiration.

With plans to return to the show with live demonstrations, Deloney is currently creating 45-minute sets that combine poetry and music. Her ultimate objective is to incorporate global influences into her poetry by working with artists from other countries and experimenting with spoken word in multiple languages.

A Poem for Tamir Rice

When Deloney shares one of her most moving pieces, A Poem for Tamir, the episode's core takes a somber and potent turn. The poem, which was written in memory of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old African American boy who was shot dead by Cleveland police, is honest, lyrical, and unapologetic. By making references to the Middle Passage, refugees traveling across oceans, and systematic violence across continents, Deloney uses striking imagery to relate Tamir's tragedy to a larger global struggle.

Hunt is clearly moved by her performance, which leaves a lasting impression. In addition to honoring Tamir, the poem emphasizes how art can be used to both demand justice and process grief. Deloney says she struggled to process the event's weight, which is why she took her time writing the piece. She claims, "I just couldn't imagine that whole situation," but the poem gradually emerged.

Discussions about Race and Society

Naturally, the interview moves beyond poetry and DJing to cover more ground on issues of privilege, race, inequality, and the Black experience around the world. Though they frequently take different forms than in the US, Black communities in Europe also deal with systemic issues, as Deloney recalls from her time there. She stresses that it is difficult to compare oppression across geographical boundaries because the struggles of every community are unique and contextually based.

Hunt and Deloney also address the weariness that results from discussing privilege, justice, and race all the time. Although progress is necessary, there is no denying the emotional cost.

Closing on Hope

Deloney concludes the episode with another poem, Arriving in the Future, which is full of hope, fortitude, and vision. This selection emphasizes the value of love, ancestry, and faith in overcoming adversity, in contrast to the weighty tone of A Poem for Tamir. It serves as a reminder that although art can address suffering, it can also show the way to recovery.

Hunt thanks Deloney for her talent and wisdom as she wraps up, stating that the show offered a sobering look at the state of the world today as well as a hopeful look at what might be.

An Appropriate Flashback

R.E.A.L. Talk Self's episode 17 is a timeless examination of justice, creativity, and identity rather than merely a flashback. RonAmber Deloney is a prime example of how artists can adapt, innovate, and inspire through her poetry and her path into DJing. Silvia Gina Hunt offers the ideal forum for these voices to be heard because of her kindness and interest.

This episode serves as both an artistic showcase and a reminder to viewers that creativity, dialogue, and bravery are crucial components in creating a better future. It also serves as a call to continue participating in the ongoing struggles for equality and understanding.

Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6klCJqYFQY&t=6s