Meet Kenya Mahogany Fashaw | Creative Teaching Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenya Mahogany Fashaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenya Mahogany, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose a creative teaching artistic career because it’s deep-rooted inside me to explore my passion and expression and I want to pass my knowledge to others. I’m a Spoken word poet, playwright and actress. I have a desire to connect with others through art by using education and awareness in all that I create. My art provides a unique medium to convey thoughts, emotions, and perspectives that might be difficult to express through words alone. I feel a natural inclination towards my craft. Art has the power to influence culture, provoke thought, and inspire change, which can be a compelling reason for someone to dedicate their life to it. So I felt like I had no other choice than to submit to the love I have to be creative.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Kenya Mahogany Fashaw – is an actress, professional spoken word artist, educator, director, producer and playwright. She is the founder and owner of Black Artists Amplified which aims to amplify the voices of the youth through theater, poetry and music. She has written and directed the Henry Award winning play Colorism, Breaking The Chains of Complexion, Produced by (5280 Artist Co-Op). Kenya was Honored as one of Colorado’s Creative in the Denver Westword. Her recent theater work includes: Aurora Fox production of TONI STONE, Vintage Theatre production CADILLAC CREW and the direction of Firehouse Theater Company’s production of The Nacirema Society. Kenya’s passion is to create and be a part of stories that normalize BlPOC people and deliver experiences that capture the imagination and build awareness, and education.

I’m most proud of my award winning play Colorism: Breaking The Chains of Complexion.

I got where I am today professionally by being consistent and constantly speaking up when opportunities are presented. I enjoy what I do and it’s easy for me to navigate professional spaces and create more connections with like minded creatives.

There were a lot of challenges. People can try to discredit you. But it’s important to know who you are. And I know who I am. So I just allow my skills to speak up for me when challenges occur.

I learned to be patient and understanding. I learned to speak with love and purpose. And people will respect that and take you seriously about your business. This will take you to new heights and I love flying higher.

I want the world to know that I am an artist who wants to spark the mind that changes the world for the better. I want my work to give inspiration and thought and openness while learning to express yourself in your truest talent and form. Music, poetry, dance, theater is what I look for in young minds so I might be able to develop their confidence

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Exploring Downtown
Morning: Start with breakfast at Snooze
Afternoon: Visit the Denver Art and Science museum to admire a diverse collection of art and nature scenery. Followed by a stroll througH 16th street mall for shopping and people-watching.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at D Bar Denver
where you can indulge in upscale comfort food

Day 2: Morning: Head to the Denver Zoo
Afternoon: Relax at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Evening: Dine at Cherry Cricket

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
Morning: Take a bike ride
Afternoon: Experience the thrill of kayaking
Evening: Eat Ocean Prime

Day 4: Red Rocks and Brews
Morning: Hike and bike at Red Rock
Afternoon: Visit a local brewery
Evening: Catch a concert at Red Rocks

Day 5:
Morning: Play a round of golf at one
Afternoon: Tour the Coors Field
Evening: Explore the South of Colfax Nightlife

Day 6:
Morning: Visit the Colorado State Capitol
Afternoon: Check out the Molly Brown House
Evening: Have dinner at The Capital Grille

Day 7:
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch a
Afternoon: Take a pedal boat ride
Evening: Reflect on your trip over cocktails at a rooftop bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely Shout out to Dream Create Inspire. They are an amazing organization that brings community together through music

Website: https://Kenyamahogany.com

Instagram: KenyaMahogany11

Linkedin: KENYA FASHAW

Facebook: Kenya Mahogany

Youtube: Kenya Mahogany

Image Credits
Tedx Talk
Kenya Fashaw
Gene Fashaw
Vintage Theatre