World Poetry Proudly Presents Dr. Toby Jenkins from the USA!

Dr Toby Jenkins

Ariadne’s Note:

Guest hosts Koyali Berman , Vivian Davidson, Spanish host Israel Mota joined Ariadne Sawyer in an exciting interview with Dr. Toby Jenkins on the World Poetry Café Radio Show. Her new book My Culture, My Color, My Self  published by Temple University Press, is a fascinating read, full of insights and  wisdom. To hear this fascinating show, CLICK HERE!

Dr. Toby Jenkins is currently an Assistant Professor of Integrative Studies and Higher Education at George Mason University.  Her work focuses on the utility of culture (contemporary culture, folk culture, and pop culture) as a politic of social survival, a tool of social change, and a transformative space of knowledge production. In 2004, Dr. Jenkins came to Penn State University to direct the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. At Penn State she spent five years implementing a bold strategic vision for cultural education on Penn State’s campus.  Prior to that, Dr. Jenkins worked as a Program Manager within the College of Education at the University of Maryland conducting research assessment and creating mentoring outreach programs to local K-12 schools in the Institute for Urban and Minority Education. In 2000, Jenkins created the Joint Service Project, bringing together college students, faculty, and staff in grass roots community transformation efforts within the local community and in 2001 she created the Vision Cultural Mentoring Initiative providing college mentors and interactive cultural experiences for local high school students at low performing schools in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Both programs received honors from the President of the United States and the Governor of Maryland. Dr. Jenkins past professional experiences as well as her individual research projects and studies have taken her to over 20 countries to examine transnational issues of culture and education.

Check out her site and buy her book! http://tobyjenkins.weebly.com

I Want to Marry a Feminist
By Toby Jenkins

My prince
His name and mine sketched on cement
The comfort of knowing that we were always meant
to be together
That he’d be my shelter thru clouds, rain, and unpredictable weather
That whether—or not I had my shit together
he’d be my rock—he’d take the shot—he’d be everything I need and all that I’ve got*

But that was then and this is now—and today—I’m just trying to figure out how
I can marry me a feminist*

I don’t mean a bra burning, tables turning, smart, savvy, badass bitch
I mean a boxer burning, mind blowing, bold unapologetic—
two power fists to patriarchal bullshit
Who’s down for the cause just because
his mother worked way too long and much too hard
for him to grow up and forget
That the women in his life aren’t just ill—they are down right sick*

(audience) I WANT TO MARRY A FEMINIST!*

The type of dude that understands
That I value a held hand
I appreciate an open door—but I’m looking for a little more
like banging on the ceiling—
you see the door of opportunity is much more appealing
No doubt—Im thankful when he steps aside to let me pass—
but I’ll also take your strength to help me crack that glass
To not let justice be denied or swept past—
anyone
I’m looking for a gun
For a soldier ready to go to war against inequality
To concur the social powers which covertly oppress me*

(audience) I WANT TO MARRY A FEMINIST!*

A man– willing to take a stand
Ready to paint the town brown-black-yellow-white-and red
Ready to fight—
to beat down ignorance with insight
A man with so much class that he’ll share his last dollar so you can have gas—
to travel down roads of opportunity
The type of man– that will shake a homeless hand– and treat him with so much dignity
That the old man looks him in the eye, trying hard not to cry, and says “thank you for seeing me”*

(audience) I WANT TO MARRY A FEMINIST!*

A nonconformist
A community activist
A freedom exhibitionist
A bold soul that’s willing to put a twist
On ideas of being masculine:*

I want both a crier and a “do or dier”
I want yard working, car fixing, and building
But I also want cooking, cleaning, and listening
I want a nurturer
An active father
A present partner
Who’s willing to change the diaper, rock her, and wipe her
Who sees dinner with his family as the ultimate life buzz
Because
Every moment spent at a bar holding a beer—
is a minute his son is wishing daddy was here
I want someone that’s beyond roles and playing parts
I’m looking for a fresh start
For someone who can rewrite life
Who can co-author and edit an incredible work of nonfiction
A page-turner that makes all men sit up and listen–
Through his life, I want him to write—a bestselling award winning prize—
Titled: “Feminism is Sexy-Especially on Guys”*

(audience) I WANT TO MARRY A FEMINIST!*