GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — At just 13 years old Arianna Shaprow, an activist and poet from Las Vegas, is using her words to evoke emotion and shine a light on the stories of those who came before her.
One of her most notable works, Unmarked Graves, highlights the relentless spirit of historical figures like Ida B. Wells, known for her tireless pursuit of truth and justice.
“I’m just writing how I feel and how I think my ancestors would have felt,” Arianna explained. “Living in those times must have been so fearful.”
Her poetry, which resonates deeply with many, has been recognized and published in several museums. She has won several awards for her work and later this month, her work will be featured in an exhibit at the Grand Rapids African American Museum.
Arianna's poetry journey was sparked by her grandmother, Maxine Shaprow, the first Black female District Attorney in El Paso, Texas.
Maxine overcame significant challenges, including growing up in poverty in Chicago, to achieve her landmark career. It was her influence that inspired Arianna to embrace poetry as a means of self-expression and social change.
“From a young age, my grandma and my mother would read me their poems,” Arianna recalled. “My grandma kept the poems she typed on her typewriter in the 60s and 70s, and she would share them with me each week. That’s what really inspired me to start making a positive impact with my poetry.”
Not only is Arianna a poet but she is an author as well, she is currently working on a book about body image and black culture.
Arianna’s work will be displayed at the Grand Rapids African American Museum from December 28th through mid-January, offering a platform for her to continue sharing the powerful voices of the past.