Today we’d like to introduce you to Tova Charles
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Tova Charles, a powerhouse performing spoken word artist that has been taking the Slam community by storm since 2008. Born in Lafayette, LA but raised in Austin, TX. The daughter of a Librarian and Zydeco Percussionist, life
was never boring. She gained her passion for writing from her mother and her passion for performing from her father. In spring 2003 she had the pleasure of being inducted in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., one of the original Historically Black Sororities. She is not only a great writer but performer as well. She is a mom of two busy children, Harper and Harlem.
During the day she is a Assistant Principle of Humanities and she is now the Creative Director and CEO of Austin Poetry Slam since 2015.
She has performed all over the country and has participated in national Slams including:
2009 National Poetry Slam, Placing 5th overall, Austin Neo- Soul Poetry Slam
2010 National Poetry Slam, Semi-Finalist , Austin Poetry Slam
2010 Southwest Shootout, Austin Poetry Slam
Finalist of 2010 Rock The Republic Festival
2011 & 12 Slam Champ of the University of Houston Scarlet Poetry Slam Team
Finalist of 2011 Woman of the World Poetry Slam, Placing 10th overall
2013 National Poetry Slam, Placed 5th overall, Austin Poetry Slam
She is a Graduate of the University of Houston with a BA in English literature and M.ED from Huston-Tillotson University.
Check out Austinpoetry.com for more events!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am a Black woman, and nothing has come easy. I have worked hard and dedicated myself to my city and slam community. As a mother of two energetic and highly intelligent children, they keep me on my toes, and I am deeply grateful to be their mom. My journey hasn’t been the smoothest, but I get to share this life with some incredible humans, and for that, I know it has all been worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been a spoken word artist for the past 17 years, traveling across the country to share my work. Along the way, I have performed alongside some of the most incredible poets in the world and shared space with artists who have shaped me into the poet and writer I am today. Poetry slam has been my favorite medium for expressing both my art and my life.
For the past 13 years, I have been a leader in the Austin Poetry Slam community, serving on the leadership team and now as the owner. I have built an amazing team that recognizes the impact Austin Poetry Slam has had on both the slam community and the city as a whole.
Beyond poetry, I have been an educator for 10 years in public education and now hold the title of Assistant Principal. None of this would have been possible without poetry slam. I owe so much of my life to this art form, and I am deeply grateful to continue sharing it with my city.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would say, surround yourself with like-minded people and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there—you never know where it might lead. I’ve always stayed true to who I am, and I’m proud that I can show up as my whole self wherever I go. Seek out those who celebrate your authenticity, where you never have to shrink or change to fit in. You are enough exactly as you are, and the right people will appreciate that.
Pricing:
- Austin Poetry Slam Every Wednesday
- $10 Online / $ 15 at the Door for Reg Shows
- $15 Online/ $20 at the Door for Special Shows
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Austinpoetry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinpoetry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinpoetryslam
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AustinPoetry
