The first of a two-part series, Jamika and Katy talk with Tacoma-based writer and activist Nakanee Monique about her art and activism. Nakanee (she/they) has been writing poetry since they were 8 years old and is “inspired by nature, science, literature, and all the great and terrible beauties of this world.” Find Nakanee’s poetry on their Instagram, @Lunarrhythm_6.

Nakanee and Jamika have known each other via social media, and met in person this past June at a protest in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Nakanee shares their experiences as an activist artist, and their philosophy that art can change the word.

Nakanee closes this episode with a reading of part 1 of their poem, Listen.

Shout outs and topics include protesting, writing, pandemic healing and recovery, safe spaces, procrastination, the creative process, chaos, setting the mood, fountain pens, artmaking tools, thievery,  journaling, public speaking, dismantling the patriarchy, comedy, community-building, grief, fear, racism, vulnerability, Kate Bush, gatekeeping, rituals, crying, Beyonce, Rage Against the Machine, Everything Everywhere All at Once, nostalgia, SVU, Now and Then, Aviations band,

We want art tips! Email us at wearttacoma@gmail.com or hit us up on Twitter @wearttacomapod!