Changing the World, One Word at a Time! | QueenLatifah.com

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Home / Lifestyle / Heroes / Changing the World, One Word at a Time!

CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE WORD AT A TIME! PUBLISHED ON: November 4, 2014 Article by: AUDREY UCHIMOTO

Belissa Escobedo, Rhiannon McGavin, and Zariya Allen are three young women who are determined to change the world, one word at a time. They are part of the non-profi t organization Get Lit, the leading non-profi t presenter of literary performance, education, and teen poetry programs in Southern California. Get Lit uses the performance of classic and spoken word poetry to increase teen literacy and has allowed Belissa, Rhiannon and Zariya to deliver their own powerful, poetic message to the masses. They even delivered it to a sell-out crowd of over 17,000 at the Hollywood Bowl opening for John Legend — and are now perform “Somewhere in America” on The Queen Latifah

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Changing the World, One Word at a Time! | QueenLatifah.com

http://queenlatifah.com/lifestyle/heroes/get-lit-power-of-poetry/[12/8/14, 8:43:45 PM]

 

 

After their inspiring performance, the three girls sat down with Queen Latifah to talk about their experience with the program. Belissa explains that she knew she had to be part of it after they performed at her school last year. Belissa had no idea that poetry could be so powerful, adding the program has changed her life. She says writing has given her a way to express herself that she did not know she could before, helping her to realize all the potential she has.

When asked how the girls got their inspiration to write their poem together, Zariya explains the inspiration came from Jay-Z and his views on corrupt society. They translated that to their world, and wanted to highlight what they feel is a corrupt public education system. Once the three girls researched important topics for teens, they found the ideas just started to flow. They wrote from the heart and used real experiences.

Changing the World, One Word at a Time! | QueenLatifah.com

http://queenlatifah.com/lifestyle/heroes/get-lit-power-of-poetry/[12/8/14, 8:43:45 PM]

 

 

When asked what is so important about poetry, Rhiannon says, “I think poetry is the best way to express emotions. I believe that if you write your feelings down, memorize the words and perform them aloud – that you won’t be bothered by that problem. It’s an amazing way to help people – especially teens.”

To learn more about Get Lit, visit GetLit.org.

Tags: GET LIT, POETRY

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Changing the World, One Word at a Time! | QueenLatifah.com

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ADD YOUR COMMENT:

Heather Reaney · Owner-operator at Opal Essences Yes oh the motivation to be a teacher and work with young people this brings! BAM wake up the Youth!! Share this with you children!

Reply · · November 12 at 8:14am

Diane Luby Lane · New York University Thank you Queen Latifah for sharing the words of our youth! For empowering women across the planet! We are so grateful! We love you!!!

Reply · · 1 · November 8 at 2:48pm

Pearl Wong Hey hey hey. I know these people. We all attend an arts school...where To Kill a Mockingbird, The Catcher in the Rye, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian are required reading. A big round of applause to Belissa, Rhiannon, and Zariya!

Reply · · 3 · November 5 at 7:13pm

Frankielee Jensen · Sales/ Representative at Avon these girls are powerful. They speak the truth and I would love to see more of them. Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 6:01pm

Linda DeBuse Vornheder · Managed Care Coordinator, retired at Baxter Regional Medical Center "Get Lit" is a teen literacy program that has inspired these 15- and 16-year old girls to creatively express themselves.

Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 2:28pm

Sue-Ellyn Rempel These girls on Queen Latifah today are amazing....I see hope and I hear hope just listening to them Reply · · 3 · November 5 at 1:40pm

Lisa Flanigan Salberg · Top Commenter · CEO and Founder at HCMA BRILLIANT! Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 1:29pm

Veronika Shülman · Marketing at Get Lit - Words Ignite These girls are going to change the world, no doubt about it. The time has come for this kind of movement. I love Get Lit!

Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 1:15pm

Jacqueline Griffith Can I just say I love that while watching them perform I felt like I was watching 3 women speak. Then after, they were on the couch, along side La, when I seen them for what they really are, 3 girls. When they are performing, they're powerful activists, but when interviewed, they're the face of female youth. It was so raw, so pure, and just so beautiful.

Reply · · 3 · November 5 at 10:46am

Dorothy Wright · Marshall University Beautiful and inspiring. Their presentation, their words, their attitude = awesome. This is the best item I have seen on television for quite a while. So awesome.

Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 8:20am

Caroline Moss · Community Living Supervisor at Life Skills I turned on the tv while the girls were in the middle of their poem. AMAZING! Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 7:41am

Holly Blake · Licensed Esthetician at Owner of Awen Holistic Skin Care Beyond awesome. We need not only to hear more but heed and heal these problems. Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 7:36am

Cindi Frank-Robbins now they r inspired youth! love it Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 7:35am

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Changing the World, One Word at a Time! | QueenLatifah.com

http://queenlatifah.com/lifestyle/heroes/get-lit-power-of-poetry/[12/8/14, 8:43:45 PM]

 

 

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Debra L. Christman Bishop · Houston Baptist University I cried! So proud of these girls to speak out! The government controls everything that happens...not what needs to be! These girls should be an inspiration to EVERYONE across the planet!

Reply · · 2 · November 5 at 6:39am

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Changing the World, One Word at a Time! | QueenLatifah.com

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