Why W&R

Hello, I'm LaShanna! 

I started Wordz & Rhythmz on July 17, 2002, as a way to connect my spoken word and performing arts activities with the Birmingham community. When I moved here in 1996, I was just going through the motions of having a degree that I couldn't find anything to do with, so I hopped into sales, then pursued a theatre degree at Samford and it led me on a life-changing trajectory. 

While I seemed to be failing at everything except doing what others expected of me, Wordz & Rhythmz was MINE. I could do whatever I wanted. I worked at one of the best advertising firms with THE BEST team ever, and it led me down so many paths with great relationships that I still honor to this day. My late supervisor, Michael T. Murphy, who helped me title this craft organization, believed in me up until his passing in 2020, and I'm so grateful. I honor his friendship, I value the memories of his laughter, and am forever grateful he took a chance on my goofiness and hired me!

Well, over 20 years later, I still haven't achieved a few of my goals, and it's time for yet another fresh start. WHY? Because I still haven't made the impact I envisioned making when I was just 10 years old. Life be lifing, and bills be billing, but these are daily expectations that are destined to come. So now what?

IT'S TIME TO DO THE UNEXPECTED & BE EXTRAORDINARY!