Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Keri Monae edition by Taryn Crawford

Keri Monae was an extraordinaire woman.  Today she is no longer on earth with us but her presence and goals continue to live through her sister, and unbreakable bond these two have for 29 years, and that bond recently broke by death.  This week feature is dedicated to Taryn she is a loving sister that is trying to grieve with the lost of her other half by accomplishing the things that was left undone



Icons-what's the meaning behind k-lyric?
Taryn-Wow, how can I respond to this question……The meaning behind K-Lyric as my sister, she was a positive role model to many people who she encountered. She was beautiful, bold and full of life. K-Lyric was an aspiring poet who shared with her audience a world of experience with words of wisdom, knowledge, love, hurt, pain and everyday issues we face today. K-Lyric was very much involved in giving back to her community. K-Lyric exuded humbleness, strength and creativeness which will remain in many of our hearts for years to come.  

Icons- your sister was a very inspirational person, she accomplished so much in a short time, what was some of her goals?
Taryn-Although Keri had a deep passion for poetry, she also loved music and acting. Keri received the opportunity to write a mini script for One Roach Productions. Its a short independent film called Family Business which in February of this year it was filmed. In addition, Keris ultimate goal for 2012 was to publish her book. This book would consist of all her writings for women everywhere of all ages and ethnicity's. She thrived to get her name recognized by those prominent in the public eye so she could develop a fan base for her work.


Icons- your sister recently passed away, and you were extremely close with her, how do you plan on fulfilling her goals?
Taryn-Yes, Keri and I were more than close, we were inseparable. She was my baby sister for 29 years and when she passed away I lost part of myself; however I knew that she would want me to continue to move on with my life no matter what the situation.  As I am far from being a poet, I am currently working on a few projects in honor of Keri with three of her friends/associates she has collaborated with in the past. First, we created the “Keri Monae Foundation” which our main focus is to help those with a talent gain exposure including providing the resources/workshops to direct them in the right direction. Keri was apart of two large non-for profit women organizations, L.A.C.E.S and Struggles Corp so we definitely would like to keep her spirit shining by continuing to give back. Lastly, since Keri’s wish was to publish a book, I am partnering with Tovah Lounge located in Brooklyn on weekly Open MIC Nights. (A Spoke N’ Heard Event) Our target date is Thursday October 29th. These events will feature Poetry/Song/Book Reading. The proceeds of these events will benefit toward the funding of her book.
Further details will be announced through social media sites, etc. soon.

Icons-Why do you feel the need to push forth with Keri dreams?
Taryn-Keri was heavily active with our community so this is a great way to get involved and become apart of something bigger than ourselves. I’m such a people person, love conversing and learning about different cultures and the world surrounding me. If I didn't continue to push Keri’s dreams ahead then I would feel less than because she always gave 110% when working on a project. We are excited about the progress and publishing of her book and hope to push it out by late next year 2013.


Icons-What wisdom will you share with our readers about Keri; I'm sure they will live to know?
Taryn-Each day we wake up, we complain about the little things in life. When Keri was diagnosed with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) in 2010, I was terrified however my sister never gave up hope. Keri spent 8 months in the hospital of this year from January until July 23rd when she passed away but she never gave up her fight to live. Keri kept a beautiful smile on her face because she held on to her FAITH. We all need a tutorial on life and how to be thankful for our health, family and friends. Stop concerning yourself with unimportant things which create negativity around you. We must forgive and forget as we are not perfect. Pray and ask God to guide you through your problem or situation. Never give up, continue to hold on and remain positive in all you do; embrace your accomplishments. Keri always lived by the statement “Poetry is therapeutic” Whenever she felt like falling, poetry was her crutch. So, I kindly express to each person reading this blog, please find your crutch when you feel like you’re at the breaking point. Take the following message below with you from Emily Dickinson and stay blessed, thank you all so much.
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without words,
And never stops at all.”

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