Here in The Swirl World, our overarching mission is to provide the tools, inspiration and conversations to help Black women live their best life.
Today, I’m pleased as Punch to introduce you to a woman who is living her life to the fullest – and exemplifies being Young, Gifted and Black.
Meet Shelby Birch
“I have an obligation to tell my story for those who couldn’t do it themselves. I write for them.” -Shelby Birch.
Years ago, Shelby was depressed and complemented suicide.
Instead, she turned to writing and poetry and that has helped heal her. Now a Spoken Word Artist/Poet, Shelby wants to show the world that poetry can mend the broken.
Honors and Accolades
At 13, Shelby won 1st place in her middle school talent show. Since then, she has competed in local, national and international poetry slams as a youth poet and adult.
Shelby is now a 2x Diverse Word Slam Champion and Fringe Poetry Smackdown 2015 Slam Champion.
In March 2015, Shelby’s collegiate slam team competed in the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI 2015) and ranked 5th in the U.S. and Canada – and this was their first time attending!
In August 2015, Shelby opened as a featured poet for internationally touring poet, author and public speaker Michael “Just Mike the Poet” Reid on his Love and Poetry Tour in New York City. Shelby has featured in Detroit and Grand Rapids Michigan, New York City and across Florida.
Ready To Share Her Story
Through 8+ years of experience, Shelby has acquired the skill-sets to teach, mentor, and impact a diverse group of people. Looking for a dynamic speaker for your next event? Visit ShelbyBirch.com for booking details.
Shelby is also working on her first newsletter, so if you want more behind the scene information for Shelby’s upcoming poetry book, events, shirt releases, and projects send an email to ShelbyBirch12@gmail.com. Be sure to place “Sign Me Up” in the subject line!
Watch Shelby Perform Her Poetry
– Women are the Backbone of the World (awesome poem)
– Used (viewer discretion: this poem contains strong language)
– Earth (viewer discretion: this poem contains strong language)
To visit Shelby’s website, click here. Connect with Shelby on Twitter @ShelbyBirch12.
On Instagram, visit @ShelbyBirch.
Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photos used with permission.
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