As human beings, we often search for a sense of belonging and identity, a place in the world where we fit in. For many of us, that search leads us back to our roots and the stories of our ancestors. In this personal account, writer Ollie Schminkey explores the profound impact their grandmothers had on their understanding of themselves and the importance of recognizing the legacies that we inherit from those who came before us. Join us in this journey of discovering the power of familial connections and the inextricable ties that bind us to our past.

Discovering My Roots: The Impact of Grandmothers – A Personal Account by Ollie Schminkey

Introduction

Grandmothers are often considered the keepers of family history, tradition, and culture. They are known for their wisdom, patience, and affection for their grandchildren. Ollie Schminkey, a renowned spoken word artist and writer, shares their personal account of the impact of their grandmother on their life and identity.

As an artist, Schminkey has performed at various venues, including Strike Theater in Minneapolis, MN, and has gained national recognition for their work. Through their poetry, Schminkey strives to promote diverse voices in the poetry community, just like Button Poetry, a platform committed to showcasing spoken word and performance poetry.

My Grandmother’s Impact

Schminkey’s poem is a touching reflection on their relationship with their grandmother, who is dying and has trouble remembering things. The poem is heartfelt, and the reader can sense the deep love and admiration Schminkey has for their grandmother.

The poet reflects on their promise not to cry when their grandmother dies, knowing that her life was well-lived and full of love. Their grandmother never directly acknowledged Schminkey’s queerness but always expressed acceptance and love for them.

Schminkey’s grandmother played a vital role in their life, helping them discover who they are and where they come from. She taught them how to cook traditional dishes and shared stories of their family’s past and struggles. Through her, Schminkey learned about their cultural heritage and the values that define them.

The poem is a beautiful tribute to the influence that grandparents can have on their grandchildren. Grandmothers like Schminkey’s are purveyors of love, nurturing, and knowledge. They offer a sense of belonging, even in the face of adversity.

The Importance of Embracing Diversity

Button Poetry and Schminkey both recognize the significance of showcasing diverse voices in the poetry community. As a platform that seeks to promote spoken word and performance poetry, Button Poetry is committed to representing voices from different backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

Through their work, Schminkey has highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity and acknowledging the complex social issues that affect people in our society. Their poem celebrates the bond between a grandchild and a grandparent and the struggles and joys that come with it.

Conclusion

Grandparents play a significant role in shaping the identity and experiences of their grandchildren. They provide a foundation for cultural heritage and values and offer unconditional love and acceptance. Ollie Schminkey’s poem is a testament to the enduring power of grandmothers, the importance of embracing diversity, and the impact of personal stories on the larger community.

FAQs

1. What is the poem about?
   The poem is about Ollie Schminkey’s relationship with their grandmother, who is dying and has trouble remembering things.

2. What is Button Poetry?
   Button Poetry is a platform committed to promoting spoken word and performance poetry and showcasing diverse voices in the poetry community.

3. What is the significance of grandmothers in Schminkey’s life?
   Schminkey’s grandmother played a vital role in their life, helping them discover who they are and where they come from, and teaching them about their cultural heritage and family history.

4. What message does Schminkey’s poem convey?
   The poem highlights the significance of embracing diversity and acknowledging complex social issues that affect people in our society, while celebrating the bond between a grandchild and a grandparent.

5. What is the impact of grandparents on their grandchildren?
   Grandparents provide a foundation for cultural heritage and values, offer unconditional love and acceptance, and shape the identity and experiences of their grandchildren.