Aitina Fareed-Cooke Inspires Audience at Contemporary Writers Series

By: Delaney Hayden, Asst. News Editor 

On Thursday, April 3, Canisius University welcomed renowned poet, artist and creative arts strategist Aitina Fareed-Cooke as part of its Contemporary Writers Series. The event, hosted at Grupp Fireside Lounge, drew a diverse audience eager to experience Fareed-Cooke’s powerful message and artistic insight.

Fareed-Cooke, Buffalo’s current poet-laureate and founder of Get Fokus’d Productions, captivated the audience by sharing heartfelt narratives about her journey as an artist dedicated to empowering marginalized voices. She spoke openly about her challenging early life, noting, “We were displaced from our biological family...I was labeled emotionally handicapped. It was deemed that I wouldn't be able to thrive, which is interesting, because I definitely thrive.”

She recounted her childhood struggles and the transformative power of mentorship and community resources, highlighting an impactful moment with a counselor who introduced her to writing as a form of emotional expression at just six years old. “I was able to hide behind the characters that I wrote,” she explained, “I didn't have to say that it was me.”

Throughout her presentation, Fareed-Cooke emphasized the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, describing how her relationship with storytelling evolved from a way to cope and hide to a bold platform for truth-telling. “Our stories are gold,” she affirmed passionately, encouraging listeners to embrace their personal narratives with pride.

In addition to her storytelling, Fareed-Cooke shared insights from her career as an entrepreneur, her extensive work with nonprofit organizations and the crucial role of creative problem-solving. “You have to build muscle to follow your passion,” she advised, urging attendees to embrace their experiences and actively develop skills in every stage of their career journey.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where Fareed-Cooke offered further advice, stressing the importance of authenticity in education and community service. Her inspiring visit reinforced the power of storytelling as a tool for healing, connecting and transforming communities.

For more information on future events, visit canisius.edu/writers.