BALTIMORE — Spoken word artist and new author Cherrie Amour will read from her first book of poetry, “Free to Be Me: Poems on Life, Love and Relationships” at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1303 Orleans Street Baltimore, MD 21231 on Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. and at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture on Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m. (museum admission is required) during National Poetry Month in April. Amour’s book poetically explores her geographical and emotional journey from childhood to adulthood and from the Caribbean to Canada and Detroit, Michigan to Baltimore. “Free to Be Me” is about turning wounds into wisdom and shares Amour’s intimate journey of trials and triumphs.
Cherrie’s soulful poetic verses in “Free to Be Me” shares her story of separating from her parents at just two years old, when they immigrated to England to create a better life for their family. Upon reuniting with her parents at eight years old after living with her grandparents, an implicit relationship void had occurred causing Amour years of bonding issues, challenges with intimacy, and issues in love relationships. “Emotional scars left unhealed after abandonment can lead to dysfunctional relationships throughout life. Channeling feelings through the creative writing process, as Cherrie has done, is one way to start the healing process,” says Dr. K. Carey, a licensed counselor specializing in family, and marital relationships.
“I hope my book will give readers a point of reference for their own journeys,” says Amour.
Amour recently released presented her award-winning poem “Hermoso Negro” as part of the 2013 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Reading and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 1, at the Poetry Center in Paterson, New Jersey. Cherrie’s poem, which received an honorable mention in the Center’s competition, was featured along with the work of several established and emerging poets at the event which honors the literary contributions of Ginsberg – the legendary Paterson, NJ-reared Beat poet and writer who passed away in 1997. Her poem “Hermoso Negro,” (Handsome Black Man) a tribute to her father is also included in her debut poetry collection and will be published in the Fall 2014 issue of The Paterson Literary Review.
In Baltimore, Free to Be Me is available for purchase at The Book Escape bookstore located at 805 Light Street in Baltimore.