Spotlight On: Resita Cox, Poet & Spoken Word Artist
Resita Cox talks poetry, growing up in the South, and how the "Chicago community feels like home." Listen here to her curated playlist for Lake Shore Dive's weekly series, "Spotlight On."
Resita Cox might not be from Chicago, but she sure embodies the City of Broad Shoulders' spirit: she's determined, strong-minded and a bona fide storyteller. Writing about everything from her love of hip hop to the deep racism she experienced growing up in the South, Resita's candid poems will make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, snap your fingers and then probably laugh and cry all over again.
The North Carolina native has called Chicago her second home since June 2017, and is quickly establishing a name for herself in the creative community. She co-hosts a monthly open mic called People Say at TRAP House Chicago, and recently launched a spoken word series called the Living Room Poet. Tune in every Sunday to hear her powerful pieces.
Get to know Resita and check out her custom playlist below and on Spotify!
Lake Shore Dive: How long have you been doing spoken word, and what got you interested in it?
Resita: I wrote my first poem when I was in kindergarten, it was for a project and I got a 99 on it because the teacher thought it was too good for me to have done it alone, so she refused to give me a perfect score. So, I've been writing poetry since I was 6, I didn't start performing it/doing spoken word until I got to college. Writing has always been my escape, as it is for most people. I didn't grow up in a traditional household, my mother was on drugs and my father was rarely around, so writing kept me sane and away from that reality.
LSD: How long have you been in Chicago and what do you love about the community here?
R: I moved to Chicago in June 2017 and was immediately in awe at the people, culture and community here. Everyone is so creative and it has pushed me to focus more on my art, as well. But what I love the most? I have only been here for a little less than a year and I already have found people who I know will be in my life for a lifetime; this community feels like home, and that is because of the people.
LSD: What inspires your stories?
R: Growing up Black in the South with a mother on drugs and a father who wasn't there. Racism. The corrupt system. My grandmother. Racism. Racism. Racism.
LSD: Favorite TV show?
R: Atlanta.
LSD: Favorite cocktail?
R: All I drink is rum (Bacardi Gold) and Coke, my friends think I'm gross, but that is what my grandma always kept in the house so naturally that is my drink.
LSD: Favorite Chicago artist?
R: Tweak'G, and I say this completely biased, she is one of those people I've met and just instantly knew she would be a life-long friend.
LSD: Favorite spot in Chicago?
TRAP House Chicago. This is the streetwear shop I host a monthly open mic called People Say. The shop is owned by Mashaun Hendricks, who I partner with for the open mic, and is located on 79th and Ashland. I love the South Side so much, and that is probably because I love Black people and there is no shortage of Black folk on 79th, makes me feel at home.
"Spotlight On" is a weekly series highlighting Chicago creatives with a twist. We share a slice of their stories and what they love, hoping to inspire and connect.