Pat McLean-Smith

Biography

Pat McLean-Smith, is a published poet, mixed media and teaching artist. She is the author of two books of poetry, “Poetry Pulls Pain” and “Healing Her Hurts,” a collection of short stories and poetry. She has appeared on radio and television and is the recipient of several awards, including 1st place for the Sonia Sanchez/Audre Lorde Poetry Competition and second place for Judith Stark Creative Writing Competition at Community College of Philadelphia. Her poetry can be found in numerous publications and anthologies. Some include “BMa: The Sonia Sanchez Literary Review: Legends and Legacies,” “X Magazine: a poetry & prose publication,” “Life Spices From Seasoned Sistahs,” a collection of poetry and short stories by women of color, “Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets, “Philly Jawns: For Women Revisited: In Tribute to Nina Simone,” APAIRY Literary Magazine and “Moonstone Press Poetry Anthology. Pat is also the founder of Tomorrow’s Girls, a summer enrichment program (www.tomorrowsgirls.org) which provides activities for girl’s ages 7 to 13, in the areas of cultural arts, education and positive social programs.

Project Description

The Me Eye See is a 10 week crochet doll making and poetry workshop for girls and young women, where participants will create a self-image doll, then write an affirmation/self-reflection poem to accompany it. The intent is to help participants deal with the “new normal” of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social unrest, where many of our youth are left feeling confused and afraid. Both crocheting and poetry writing have been proven as provided methods of healing therapy. The Me Eye See project, seeks to promote healing, self-esteem, and cultural pride.

Who am I? What do I see when I look at me? How do I see it? How do I express myself?” These are the questions and challenges this project seeks to answer. It is designed to explore issues of identity and development of a girl’s voice through the creative processes.