*Fierce! Revisited!* aaduna’s annual gala word/fundraiser held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the Carriage House Theater, Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY. (Pictured left to right) Doug Curry, special guest poet, bill berry, jr., aaduna CEO/publisher, Howard Nelson, special guest poet and featured Fierce Poets; Cyd Charisse Fulton, Karen Faris, and Tamara J. Madison.

Fierce! Revisited! & Reframed

blog post by Fierce Poet, Tamara J. Madison

Many thanks to bill berry, jr., Lisa Brennan, and aaduna for the invitation to share in the organization’s “gala word/fundraiser” on November 9, 2023. It was a full night of music and poetry, smiles and laughter, and deeply listening. The event featured three women poets: Cyd Charisse Fulton, Karen Faris, and me, along with special guests, Doug Curry and Howard Nelson and vibes on the keyboard from Berny Williford. It was indeed a “fierce” lineup with a wide range of poetry, subject matter, and styles of presentation. There were moments when I was moved to tears by the subject matter: Bessie Smith, Tammy Terrell, lamentations of love lost, cries for healing and reparations, even a scolding from Mother Earth.

I can track my beginnings with aaduna via an email from Keith Leonard on November 8, 2010 inviting me to submit poetry in consideration of the premier issue to be launched in February of 2011. The invitation was a welcomed surprise and I responded. Since that time, I have had several poems published via aaduna, work that I did not think anyone would ever publish because of the controversial nature of the content. aaduna would nominate my work for a Pushcart Prize in 2010. Later I would accept the invitation to work as a contributing editor in poetry for the publication. My relationship with aaduna also included a rendezvous with an international guest from Turkey, and events for colleges and community programs, such as the one that took place last week. I had not attended an aaduna event since November 2019.

During Fierce! Revisited! while sharing remarks, bill mentioned that aaduna has always been about “history and legacy.” Having 13 years of experience with the organization, I observed that aaduna is also committed to “emergence.” The organization has often taken risks mentoring and highlighting the work of “emerging artists and writers.” I am one of them. To say that I have grown and developed from my relationship with aaduna is an understatement. I have been “held and supported” in more ways than I could have imagined. aaduna and bill entered my life when I had lost a very deep and abiding friendship with a fellow writer and mentor in the arts. I was devastated to say the least. Remaining engaged with my art was critical “medicine” during the mourning process. I am most grateful.

During the program last week, I witnessed the growth of each of us as writers and artists. It was obvious that each writer was committed to the craft and skill of writing and poetry, not just the content. Each writer was also committed to service beyond the art, raising awareness of community issues and honoring those who might not be able to speak for themselves. I was humbled to be among these poets and artists and participate in this event once again.

I have since ruminated a bit on aaduna’s commitment to “history, legacy, and emergence.” Honoring history is a way for us to inform ourselves while honoring our ancestors and their sacrifices. Being committed to legacy is intentional living and growth to serve those around us and those who come after us. Nurturing emergence is strengthening and securing the growth of new ideas, new pathways, and new vision. It is midwifery of nascence lending to healthy evolution. This is not only a mission for aaduna but a challenge for us all.

Many thanks to aaduna for its commitment and tireless efforts to inform, shape, and shift the world around us. It is an honor to be a part of this history, legacy, and emergence! Happy 13th anniversary, aaduna!

Blessings, peace, and poetry!

Tamara J. Madison