Meet Talaya. She is a talented poet and artist who I met during a self-care workshop for women of color. Talaya was born and raised in Denver moved to Greeley, Colorado for her undergraduate degree and in June 2018 moved back to Denver where she lives today. She hopes to one day help Black women employ self-care practices while navigating college life. Here’s what it means to be Black in Denver to Talaya.

What does it mean to you to be Black in Denver?

To be Black in Denver is to be invited into my body and being through boundless magic and experiences. It is joy and glory in the pockets of community being built. To be Black in Denver is limitless and layered. To breathe deeper into imagining what the essence of my blackness can be. To be Black in Denver is to be summoned into my purpose.

What do you love most about living in Denver?

I love the strong, resilient trees and the dope, inspiring Black people creating space. I love that often, I can find comfort in a good yoga class, poetry slam, or retreat. I love that I am encouraged to be in myself and my healing.

How have your experiences in Denver shaped you as a creative?

My experiences in Denver have shaped my healing and my ability to dream big to call myself a creative and entrepreneur. My experiences in Denver affirm and challenge the art in my being and have created space for me to show up as myself and share that with the community. My experiences in Denver have reminded me of the importance of representation and creating so other women can see themselves and create what is in their heart.