Danielle Davis

Dancer, poet, and fiction writer

How old are you?
19

Where are you based/from?
Kansas City 

Tell me about your poems! How did you get started with creating these pieces in the first place?
I have always enjoyed writing poetry, particularly poetry that involves elements of whimsy or fantasy. However, I have only recently started writing about race and social justice issues. Most of these poems are meant to uplift African and African American culture and illuminate both the brutal and beautiful moments of black history.   

Did you always have an interest in creating art, writing, or did that come over time?
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t enjoy writing! When I was younger, my friends and I would play pretend during recess and I would race back inside to put our adventures into words. Even as a dancer, my favorite part of the whole rehearsal and performance process was getting to portray a certain story or character. Ever since then, I knew that I wanted to be a storyteller. 

Is there a bigger message/story you want your work to tell or are you not thinking too much into it and have fun? If so (and if you’re comfortable telling us) what is that message/story?
With most poems, my main objective is to transport people to another time and place, or maybe introduce them to a character that they wouldn’t have otherwise thought of. However, when dealing with issues of race, I strive to portray the pride I feel about my African heritage in the hopes that it will make other young black readers proud. 

Who are some of your biggest influences?
I love poets like Nikki Giovani and Langston Hughes that explore what it means to be black, as well as black authors such as Toni Morison and my older sister, Charlotte Davis! I pull inspiration from a lot of different sources, but these are some of the ones that have really spoken to me as an artist. 

What’s your zodiac sign? (sun, moon, rising)
I’m a Leo Sun, a Taurus Moon and a Scorpio Rising!

What type of music are you into? Any some recommendations for us??
It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite music genre, but I’d say that I lean toward indie folk music, classic rock, and showtunes! My favorite band is the Decembrists, but I also enjoy Glass Animals, Hozier, Fleet Foxes, and much more. 

Are you more of an extrovert or introvert?
A little bit of both. I think it depends on my mood! 

What was your favourite age growing up? What would you say to that version of yourself if you could travel back in time to meet them?
My favorite age was definitely eleven years old. I was at the height of my Harry Potter obsession (and I could actually enjoy it then because it was before I knew J.K. Rowling was an awful person). It was also the age that I realized that I was really passionate about writing and I could create without feeling self-conscious or limiting myself. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to keep dreaming and keep my head up. Things are only going to get more difficult from here, but you can handle it! 

Def the MOST important question… are you a milk before cereal/pineapple on pizza kinda person… or nah??
You have to put the cereal in before the milk! Or else the ratio is all off! Also, I don’t mind pineapple on pizza, but it’s not my first choice of topping. 

You can find more of Danielle’s poetry on her Instagram @longmayshewrite !