Author, poet, and spoken word artist Deana Dean has been a powerful voice for sisterhood since 2001, when she first began performing poetry. A community builder at heart, she has been an integral part of building several renowned poetry sets and has proven to be a vital member of Chicago’s artistic community in general.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the Southside native to discuss her influences, the Chicago poetry scene, and her heavily buzzed-about new collection of poetry and prose entitled Merrill Avenue.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Deana Dean?
Deana Dean: I’m a mother, poet, author, daughter, and mentor. I like taking care of people.
What profession did you first dream of doing/having as a child?
There were so many things I dreamed of growing to be, including a teacher, a writer, and a nurse.
What was the book you read that made you know that you would be a writer?
You know, I can’t honestly pinpoint a specific book. I read a lot. I mean A LOT! I can’t say for sure what book made me want to write. I can say that my favorite authors are Bernice McFadden, Pearl Cleage, and Nia Forrester. They’re all black women who write as I sound. If that makes sense, I can see myself, my family, and friends in all of their characters, and THAT’S something I hope to emulate.
How did you ultimately discover your voice?
I’ve been a big mouth my whole life but my seventh and eighth grade teacher, Mr. Solomon Bennett, helped me fall in love with poetry. Every Friday we had to recite a poem. I’m sure that helped develop my memory skills as well.
Who are three of your biggest writing influences?
Nia Forrester is one of my mentors. Her writing is honest and genuine. She and my bestie (fellow poet and writer) Khari B actually wrote forewords to Merrill Avenue. So definitely the two of them. This is a HARD question because I know so many writers. Let’s just say my poetry/artistic family keeps me on my toes.
Can you tell us briefly about the three novels that you’ve published?
My first book, Boy Crazy, I wrote as one loooooooong novel. Honestly, it was too long. I’d written it 10 years ago and never had the courage to publish it. The main character is Chloe, a teen mom (like me) with a huge support system. It’s more about her family ties and how we succeed when we link together. Boy Crazy was republished through Leo Sullivan Publishing in two parts (Boy Crazy 1 & 2), which is good because like I said it was way too long in its original format.
And your second book?
My second book, Call me Toni…love in the Chi, is about everyone’s favorite character in Boy Crazy. Toni is Chloe’s older, loud, combative best friend. In her book we learn WHY she’s combative and angry. We learn about trauma responses and survival. I’m currently in the midst of writing part 2.
And of course, your latest book of poetry and prose, Merrill Avenue?
I am SUPER proud of this book. I’m proud of ALL my work but especially this one. I grew up on Merrill Avenue in my grandmother’s home. So much of who I am is because of how and where I grew up. The cover picture is of my late mother, Carole. Everyone who knows me knows how much I love her. I make it a point to always speak her name and keep her in the forefront of my mind and in my heart. I honor her always, so I’d never put her image on anything other than excellence. This book is an ode to her, my grandmother, the Southside of Chicago, and the great migration. It’s peppermints in pickles, jumping double dutch with a clothesline, cornrows with beads, cooling off playing in water from fire hydrants and block club parties. It’s our Mississippi grandmothers growing collard greens in the backyard. It’s Alaga syrup and cornbread. It’s summers in Atlanta playing in red clay. I promise that reading “Merrill Avenue” will make you feel good and warm on the inside.
In your opinion, what makes a good writer?
Good writers read a lot. Writing is a skill that needs to be cultivated and developed constantly. A good writer is genuine. If I believe you, you have my undivided attention. A good writer has work you can read or hear and feel the same.
What, if anything, do you wish those unfamiliar knew about the Chicago Poetry community?
Chicago has some of the strongest, most diverse poets. When you travel and the crowd hears you’re from Chicago, they’re expecting greatness and they’re going to get it almost every time.
If you get the aux cord at the party, what are 3 songs are you certain to play?
• Stevie Wonder – “All I Do”
• Angie Stone – “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”
• Tobe Nwige – “Fye Fye”
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a servant, I love serving people and I’m SUCH a homebody.
Best advice to the youth?
Your parents are human and they’re going to make mistakes. Try to forgive them.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“I’d be a darn fool not to be on my own side.” – Maya Angelou
What’s next for Deana Dean?
Books, books, and more books! I’m finishing Part 2 of Call me Toni and publishing another book of poetry and prose by the end of the year.
For more information on Deana Dean, please connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and her Author page.
