Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrie Zantea (Candy) Coleman.
Sherrie Zantea (Candy), please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At the age of 12 years old I began writing poetry. I would perform in church and then when I graduated high school I started performing my poems in Dallas. In 2001 while I was in college, a poet named Rock Baby introduced to slam poetry. I was putting on poetry events at my university; they were becoming popular.
I performed in my first slam in 2001. I joined the Dallas Slam Team as a rookie in 2007. The rest is history. I have been consistently on 12 teams. I am the first woman in Dallas to coach eight teams (eight years). I am the first woman in Dallas Literary scene to plan, produce and host the most successful events in the city. Which Includes:
Poetry Under the Stars – Kylde Warren Park, The National Melee Slam, Gladiator Slam, The 2017 and 2018 Women of the World Poetry Slam. In addition to an array of plays and events.
I am the first women of color to implement a teaching artists program for a poetry slam organization, partnering with the Dallas Public Library, Dallas Independent School District, Rockwall School District, Writer’s Garret and Big Thought Youth Organization.
To date, I have a Poetry DVD, CD, Published Book, and Chapbook.
I’ve also been promoted to the National Poetry Slam Event Coordinator for Poetry Slam Inc.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been smooth.
I’ve made a lot of sacrifices. I am a single mother. Financially I have some bumps. Lost friendships. Lost support of my family, I’ve been in between homes, experienced misogyny from the men in the poetry community. I’ve been degraded and as a woman silenced for my visions and dreams. Being a woman of color in leadership has its obstacles in an all-white ran literary scene.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Dallas Poetry Slam story. Tell us more about the business.
Dallas Poetry Slam was organized in 1994. I am the first woman to be its Executive Director.
I own the business as a sole proprietor. I run the daily operations, weekly slams, teaching artist program and coach the teams and individual poets three times a year.
I specialize in branding and fundraising. I’m most proud of the success of my staff and poets in the organization. My poets have traveled internationally and performed on a lot of stages.
What sets me apart is that I am a visionary. I have a vision for the community that has taken Dallas Literary Scene to the next level.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We will be on television. Hosting International Workshops helping other poetry venues and community be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: thedallaspoetryslam.com
- Email: dallaspoetryslam@gmail.com
- Instagram: dallaspoetryslam
- Facebook: thedallaspoetryslam.com
- Twitter: dallasslam
Image Credit:
Leisha Anders, Cher Musico
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