Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Whiteford St. Clair.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Melissa Whiteford St. Clair found herself emotionally affected by the rise in social injustice in the U.S., and she dedicated herself to learning more about racism and systemic racism, to which poetry answered the questions and assignments.
Through a Godsend, she discovered the power of poetry as a means of expression and transformation and found her voice in the fight for social change and equity.
Melissa says she was “on mute” for 50 years and never dreamed of writing poetry, let alone sharing her work publicly. Then, the work became a calling, and poetry continued as a processing mechanism.
She shares her message of unity and social justice through interactive advocacy workshops, antiracism efforts, poetry readings, and talks.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A white woman writing poetry about racism is met with curiosity the majority of the time. Melissa founded White Girl Advocacy LLC as a platform for her poetry and advocacy and the name often confounds people, but once she explains she is a white girl and an advocate, the intent is well understood. She has had some pushback on social media from adult white men in her network, but that gives her fodder to write more poetry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Melissa is grateful for the Godsend gift of poetry. Her creativity is sparked in several ways. She cultivates creativity through her study on the matter of race working through issues, but is also prompted by current and world events, seeing a disturbing meme, reading, listening to other poets, or reflecting on an historical occurrence or history maker, like Harriet Tubman, from the past. Typically, the poem will wake her up or words commence at bedtime, keeping her awake so she keeps a journal by her bedside with a pen clicked to the ready to catch them.
Her advocacy work is a ministry, a mission. She marks the milestones of publishing her poems, sharing her poems through poetry readings, and invitations to share her poetry at public events. Her poems have been included in several anthologies.
She was named the “Rise and Shine: What American Means To Me” State Winner by the South Carolina Society of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with the entry of a photo and accompanying poem. Her poem “Harriet’s Feat to Freedom” was included in the Hilton Head Island Poetry Trail (Mitchelville).
Poetry books:
“Home Work A Collection of Poems Sparked by One White Woman’s Journey on the Matter of Race”
“Heart Work A Heart-Centered Collection of Poems”
Workbook:
“White Girl Homework”
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Some people might say Melissa is lucky and she has a knack for finding 4-leaf clovers. She’s even had an article written about this anomaly.
She operates with gratitude and a profound sense of purpose. The journey from a small rural town in Maryland to becoming an advocate for social change has been remarkable, marked by Divine guidance, life-changing encounters, and a transformative commitment to change and equity.
She states that in her lifetime, God was instrumental in placing people on her path for various reasons. In the tapestry of her journey, she sees the hand of God weaving a divine thread that connects each step, each encounter, and each revelation.
Is it a coincidence that the right people show up at the right time? Melissa doesn’t think so, she calls them Godwinks.
She has gone from being the shy one in the room to becoming an advocate for social change and taking her advocacy through poetry to open mic. A call she could not have imagined for herself, and now she cannot ignore.
Pricing:
- $15 +tax plus S/H poetry books
- $25 +tax plus S/H workbook
- Poetry Readings – $ varies
- Poetry Workshops – $ varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whitegirladvocacy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitegirladvocacy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitegirladvocacy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-girl-advocacy-llc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whitegirladvocacy
