Rooted in Richness: How Cultural Identity and Community Shaped My Voice
One of my most cherished memories is traveling through Brooklyn with my dad, uncle, and cousin on our way to African dance class. The rhythm of the drums, the energy of the movements, and the sense of connection to something far greater than myself were transformative. These classes were more than a physical experience—they were a bridge to a history and culture that I wasn’t taught in school but instinctively knew belonged to me.
As I reflect on my life—growing up in Brooklyn, celebrating diverse cultures, and learning about my family’s history—I feel incredibly blessed. These experiences not only shaped my identity but also gave me the foundation to find and amplify my voice as a writer and spoken word artist.
Growing Up in Brooklyn’s Cultural Mosaic
Brooklyn, the “County of Kings,” was the heartbeat of my childhood. Both of my parents were born and raised there, and it was where I spent most of my formative years. The borough itself felt alive with culture—its streets filled with music, food, and languages from around the world.
Living in Brooklyn, I was exposed to an incredible array of cultures. I learned from Puerto Rican traditions, Indian culture, and various West Indian communities, including Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Guyanese. One of my favorite traditions was attending the West Indian Day Parade on Labor Day. The vibrant costumes, rhythmic music, and joyous celebration of heritage were unforgettable. I also loved the Panamanian Parade, which gave me a sense of pride in my own roots and connected me to my family’s history.
Brooklyn taught me to appreciate the richness of diversity. It wasn’t just about observing other cultures—it was about immersing myself in them, building friendships, and celebrating our shared humanity.
Discovering My Roots Through Family Stories
On my mom’s side, my grandparents lived in Brooklyn, though they were originally from the South—Memphis, Tennessee, and Mississippi. My grandfather, who had a deep love for music, introduced me to the blues. We would create songs together, simple but meaningful, and I grew to appreciate the storytelling inherent in this genre. Later, my mom introduced me to country music, which shared that same storytelling quality. These experiences taught me how powerful music can be in painting vivid pictures of life, love, and struggle.
On my dad’s side, family gatherings were filled with the flavors and stories of our West Indian and Panamanian heritage. My grandparents, who had passed away before I could meet them, had immigrated from Panama and Cuba. Through other family members, I learned about their journey to America, their work on the Panama Canal, and the sacrifices they made to build a better future. These stories helped me connect to my roots and gave me a profound sense of pride in where I come from.
A Love for the Arts and Finding My Voice
For my 10th birthday, my mom took me to see Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk on Broadway. I’ll never forget how excited I was. Watching the tap dancers tell a powerful story through movement, music, and spoken word left me in awe. It was my first introduction to how theater could convey history and emotion in such an impactful way. That experience sparked my love for theater and planted the seed for my journey as an artist.
By the time I was 14, I began to find my voice as a writer. I felt a natural pull toward poetry, which became a way for me to process my thoughts and express my worldview. One of my most memorable pieces was a spoken word poem about the N-word. In it, I explored the word’s painful history, connecting it to slavery, modern-day racism, and gang culture. I also addressed the complex way our community has attempted to reclaim the word, giving it a new, more positive connotation.
Performing that poem was one of the most powerful moments of my life. I used costumes to illustrate the historical context, moving from the chains of slavery to the symbols of modern oppression. My goal was to inspire people—not just those who looked like me but also those outside of my community—to reflect on the weight of words and the impact of systemic racism.
My journey through cultural identity and community has been one of discovery, connection, and pride. From growing up in Brooklyn’s melting pot of cultures to learning about my family’s Southern and Panamanian roots, every experience has shaped the person I am today.
These moments taught me that cultural identity isn’t just about where you come from; it’s about how you carry that history forward. As a writer and performer, I strive to honor the richness of my heritage while using my voice to inspire others.
Now, I want to hear from you. How has your cultural identity shaped your perspective or the way you express yourself? Let’s continue this conversation. Share your story in the comments, or reach out to me directly—I’d love to connect and learn from you.
Naima Yetunde Hammonds
