On Sunday, March 23, Baton Rouge Gallery’s Sundays@4 series is honored to host a presentation of works of poetry by Chancelier ‘Xero’ Skidmore. As with all Sundays@4 experiences, this will be free and open to the public.
About the poet:
Chancelier ‘Xero’ Skidmore
Chancelier "Xero" Skidmore has spent the last 25 years establishing himself as one of the best spoken word artists in the world. He is a 2013 Individual World Poetry Slam champion, co-founder of the Baton Rouge Poetry Alliance, former Executive Director of Forward Arts, and teaching artist extraordinaire. He is currently dividing his time between acting, working as a musician, and sharing a collection of poems that explore the intersection of race and environmentalism. He also writes and performs commissioned works for nonprofits, art galleries, and other institutions.
Artist Statement
Black Carbon is a series of spoken word poems focusing on environmental justice. They chronicle specific life experiences of the author, who happens to be a middle aged Black man living in South Louisiana. A man who has become deeply concerned about the world his generation is leaving to his children.
The collection was originally inspired by his own pursuit of financial resources. Chancelier was hired by the nonprofit organization Center for Planning Excellence to craft poetry that connected to their mission of building “livable, resilient communities.” Coming through for this client required the poet to do a deep dive into literature about global warming, pollution, conservationism, etc. But once the gigs were done, the poetry kept coming.
The effects of a deteriorating environment will always be felt first and most harshly by the most vulnerable members of that community. In America, that vulnerability is shared by people who are marginalized racially, geographically, financially, and politically. The Black Carbon Collection was created to bring this reality to light and hopefully spark many solution-oriented conversations among all who witness its expression.
Excerpt from "Throwing Shade at the Sun"
When taken to extremes,
the intensity of the Sun can be disrespectful as hell
The summer of 2023 was a white-hot assault rifle
firing solar Rick flares of audacity in my face
as soon as I stepped out my door
And I was only out there to beat the porch pirates
to our daily Amazon deliveries
Taking a pause from producing these pessimistic predictions
Warning the catfish about the hooks
Knowing good and goddamn well
that they could never resist that bling
Grateful I get to work from home, under an AC vent
when most people of my shade have to hustle under fire
Cuz field work has always been for the easy targets
Field work has always been for the expendable
Sundays@4 is presented in partnership with the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area whose mission is to enhance the identity of our unique American landscape by preserving and promoting our heritage and by fostering progress for local champions that create authentic, powerful connections between people, culture, and the environment.