By: Gabriela Irias
Iyaba Ibo Mandingo is a writer, painter, poet, actor, playwright, and, as he demonstrated at a recent Necessary Voices event, an inspirational speaker. Iyaba began his talk by playing along with the beautiful, rhythmic sounds of the phenomenal UB Steel, University of Bridgeport’s steelpan ensemble. Originally from Antigua, Iyaba shared his culture with pride.
Love, family, and the roots of creativity
During his talk — which occasionally erupted into moments of slam-like recitations of his poetry — Iyaba shared what I observed to be two of the biggest influences in his art: a love of family and a hatred of injustice. With a glow on his face, he recalled his youth in Antigua. In one of his poems, he described it as the “Joy of a third world noise, oblivious to the U.S.A.”
This is where his love, passion, and recognition for art first bloomed. He spoke about witnessing firsthand the love his mother and grandparents shared for their home, and how he later learned that his ancestors expressed themselves through many forms of art as well.
Iyaba’s ongoing journey as an artist
Iyaba has successfully carried on his culture through art. He has pursued — and continues to pursue — his dreams, overcoming obstacles and fulfilling opportunities in ways his family and ancestors were never given the chance to do. In his words, he “might have pulled it off.”
Iyaba also reflected on life in the United States, which, as he learned firsthand, was a place of hardship and struggle. These experiences are shared through Iyaba’s art: in his paintings, stories, poems, plays, and more.
An inspiring message for students
To say Iyaba stimulated the minds and hopes of students is an understatement. Many students who attended his talk felt inspired and in awe after the event.
One of the most important takeaways from Iyaba’s speech is that language, words, and passion hold power. He reminded us, the twenty-first century generation, that we hold power within our words, no matter what form we use them; the power to make change, share our voices and creativity, be argumentative, disagree, and break barriers.
Iyaba teaches us that we must find our passion and dive into it shamelessly. He reminds us, “Do it even if no one supports you, even if no one agrees. Find it, nurture it, water it every day, care for it, move it to a bigger pot when it needs, even on the days it looks bad, keep nourishing and caring for it.”
Gabriela Irias is an English major born and raised in Norwalk, CT, by her two Central American immigrant parents. She has two pets: one cat named Kitty and one dog named Canelo. She hopes to one day become a high school English teacher, sharing her love for writing and reading with other students.