Exploring Humanity Through Poetry with Kenton Hundley

In the episode of the To Be and Do podcast titled "Exploring Humanity Through Poetry with Kenton Hundley" host Philip Amerson is joined by the talented poet Kenton Hundley. This episode invites listeners on a journey through heartfelt poetry that unveils profound narratives and emotions, showcasing Kenton's gift for weaving words that resonate deeply.

Key Takeaway 1: The Power of Poetry to Reflect Social Issues

One of the most significant highlights of this episode is Kenton's poem commemorating Ahmaud Arbery, which was profoundly powerful. Kenton was invited to share his poetry at a memorial run dedicated to Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man tragically killed in Georgia. His poem evokes a vivid reflection on racial injustices and societal violence, capturing the shared fears and hopes within marginalized communities. Through lines like "It’s puzzling that we're the profiled," Kenton artfully crafts a narrative that resonates with the ongoing quest for justice and equality. His poetry not only brings awareness to social issues but also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of creating safe spaces for marginalized individuals.

Key Takeaway 2: Poetry's Role in Addressing the Harsh Realities of War and Conflict

Kenton's ability to encapsulate the essence of dark themes continues with "The Face of War." This poem paints a vivid picture of the devastation and lasting impact of war on individuals and communities. Kenton's portrayal of war as "devoid of love and devoid of hate" underscores the complexity and weight of conflict. By sharing this piece, Kenton emphasizes the importance of confronting these harsh realities and recognizing the shared human experience of pain and loss. His portrayal of war challenges listeners to empathize with those affected and acknowledge the pervasive nature of violence that transcends borders and generations.

Key Takeaway 3: Love as a Unifying Force

While this episode delves into challenging topics, it also underscores the transformative power of love and unity. Kenton skillfully transitions from dark themes to uplifting messages, as seen in his sequence of poems inspired by his experiences with unaccompanied minors. Through these heartfelt verses, Kenton illustrates how love manifests in unexpected places and forms. Poems like "I saw children without mothers take care of children without mothers," illustrate the resilience and compassion that bloom within communities, even amidst adversity. Kenton's poetry underscores the significance of interconnectedness, emphasizing that love transcends boundaries, cultures, and languages.

In conclusion, Kenton Hundley's poetic reflections on the To Be Encouraged podcast serve as a profound exploration of humanity's triumphs and trials. Through his evocative words, Kenton encourages listeners to recognize the shared threads that bind us all. His work is a testament to poetry's power to amplify voices, provoke thought, and ultimately inspire change. As the episode wraps up, listeners are reminded by Philip Amerson to seek meaningful relationships, acknowledging that in a world filled with isolation, connection is a beacon of hope.

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KENTON REAVES HUNDLEY is an inspirational, creative, and passionate educator who’s worked with young people for years to empower them with the expectation of success, compassion, and the cultivation of faith. He has created deep and constantly evolving partnerships with a diverse array of community leaders including clergy, activists, athletes, artists, and educators throughout the San Diego region. For nearly 15 years he lent his expertise to curriculum design and supervision of the day-to-day instruction for unaccompanied minors from multiple educational and cultural backgrounds.

Kenton holds a strong belief that all children, adolescents, and young adults have the capacity to learn through collaboration, leadership development, and honest discussion and partnerships in safe spaces where all those present find themselves willing to learn, share, and grow.

As an artist, Kenton has won many awards for his socially conscious, hip hop and jazz-influenced poetry. He has been a guest lecturer/featured poet at San Diego State University, UCSD, USD, Miramar College, SD City College as well as at local schools. He’s a part of the Via International Global Education Team where he shares his Say It! Spray It! Speak Up. Be Heard. spoken word workshop for community activists. 

Kenton Reaves Hundley

Executive Director

Dream School of the Arts

khundley@dsoasd.org

www.dsoasd.org