Multigenre project
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This multi-genre project by Shanequa Perry is dedicated to five important men in her life who have supported her after her father passed away when she was three months old. The project includes letters to her uncle, cousin, and grandfather expressing gratitude for their encouragement and role in her life. It also includes a poem about missing her father and a narrative describing meeting cousins from her father's side of the family for the first time. The reflections provide context for each piece and how the men helped fill the void of not having a father. The project celebrates the impact these five men have had on the author.
Multigenre project
- 1. Five Guys Multi-genre Project By: Shanequa Perry This project is dedicated to five great men who have made a huge impact in my life. Not a day goes by that I do not miss my father but the four other men that have stood in the gap have all helped to somehow encourage me just like I know he would have. My father passed when I was three months old and I recently met his side almost 4 years ago. This project is dedicated to him to let him know even in his absence others are by my side. Uncle (Orlandus Perry) Cousin (Barry Hawkins) Father (Fitzgerald Gregory) Grandfather “Papa” (Geanie Perry) Cousin (Anthony Perry
- 2. Uncle Orlandus Uncle O, Not a second goes by that I do not think back to those days we shared growing up in Louisburg, NC. Every moment spent together felt like we were inseparable. Everyone thought and still thinks we are brother and sister until we tell them I am your little niece. Being only 5 years apart, we somehow managed to rarely argue but to always encourage and challenge one another. Not only would I grow up learning about life but also you have been my best friend through every situation I have faced. You have really taught me things that I could have never imagined I would need to know as a young woman. Rides to visit your girlfriends, fighting over the front seat, and simply just wanting to hang out with you and Twill, growing up was so much fun. Thinking back on our younger days, I will never forget the day I got whooped by dad “papa”. You knew that pencil box was mine but you just could not let me have it so I slammed it and ran. Running from dad, I made him slip and fall. That whooping was your entire fault but I learned my lesson and to this day, I will never forget it. We may have got into arguments but I can say through it all you have still been my biggest encourager especially when it relates to school. When you came to live with my mom, Z and I in Greensboro I was really excited because I just knew we would never separate and would later have a house together. After I found out Deanna was pregnant with Jamori, I really did not know what to do with myself. I just knew you would grow up and forget all about me. Now that you are married and have four children, we may not spend a lot of time together but I know when I am in need of encouragement or a good laugh I can always count on you. I may not say it often but you are one smart and talented man and I am PROUD to call you my Uncle. Time will pass but memories will never end. I love you, Your Niece Shanequa
- 3. Reflection: Letter to Uncle O This letter to my uncle was written to simply express my gratitude. After growing up with a father my uncle along with my grandfather stepped in to make sure I was okay. Not a second did he remind me that my father was deceased but he always encouraged me to do my best at everything. My uncle has been through so much but he has still managed to graduate from college and to raise four beautiful children along with his wife. Having to grow up at such a young age most males become a statistic but not him. It has been a pleasure watching him grow from a wild teenager to a responsible father and husband. Now he is teaching music to young children and even playing for different groups around the world. He has taught me so much and I will forever cherish the memories.
- 4. “Let me tell you about my best friend…..”Anthony Perry (Cousin)
- 5. Dear Anthony, Anthony Perry Not having a brother has never crossed my mind. We have been through so much together and I feel that whenever I look at you, I see myself. Playing at the Legos table, family trips, church conventions and spending quality time together has always been nothing short of amazing. We are so much alike but yet so different. Throughout the past few years we have grown closer and I know that whenever I am going through anything you will give me the spiritual and natural advice along with pray over the situation. If there is anyone I know that can coach someone back to life it is definitely you. Remember our college tour with your parents? We went to the beach and had the time of our life even after your dad made us drink those cokes to eat more. Being only 6 months apart we have never let anyone separate us. You have always been my little cousin, but you have stuck up for me in more ways than I can remember. I will never forget when you tried to take someone out because they were speaking negatively about me. Not only were you not afraid to hurt her but you made sure to let people know that family came first. We laugh about these moments but I know for sure if there is anything I need, you have me. Times when I was unsure of my purpose in life you have been there to make sure at the end of the day I was alright. Anthony, I could go on an on with countless memories but I think the pictures say enough. I will always be Grandma Ruth’s little “Fatty Patty” but your Best Friend/cousin/db and everything else we call each other. Thank you for having my back when others did not have for always praying me through situations. I know that you were called into ministry for a reason and if no one else supports you I will. I love you with all of my heart!! Don’t forget you will be my man-of-honor at my wedding one day. Love, Shanequa Perry (DB22) “The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read.”- Abraham Lincoln
- 6. Reflection: Letter to Anthony This letter to Anthony was just to say THANK YOU. Thank you for not only having my back when others gave up on me but for hearing me out and encouraging me through some of the most difficult times in my life. Anthony is not only my second cousin but he has been my best friend. We are only 6 months apart but some say we act just alike and we are inseparable when we get together. Anthony knows how much I love him but I am sure he never knew what an impact he has on others even those who are older than him. He is not just a cousin or friend but a true support system and the lady he marries will gain something special but will have to go through me first.
- 7. A Poem for Daddy... January 5, 1991 a little girl was born in a small town Being called smart, beautiful and sometimes a clown She never went to bed with a frown Unless she just happened to be sad and down. Sending her off to bed with a hug and kiss Was her every year birthday wish Longing for the love of a man that she had never met She knew that if she could have that one thing, she would be set. T-Ball games, A honor roll, Picture day were just some of the good days She appreciated her grandparents for always going out of their way To make sure she was happy, fed and cared for They even tucked her in and closed the door. From school to church she always had something to do But she just wanted to hear him say, “I love you too” Longing for the day that he would walk her down the aisle And she would be dressed in an all white gown. Knowing both sides of family history This was to her just another unsolved mystery. Wanting to be awaken from a dream This couldn't’t be as bad as people made it seem. As I am awaken and told to get out of bed This is no dream , my father is really dead. No sympathy needed it was not his fault Just know my love cannot be bought. God has given me four amazing men But I am still glad that God calls me friend. You may not be alive anymore But I am just awaiting the day I enter through heavens door, To see the smile on your face And to feel the warmth of your embrace.
- 8. Reflection: Poem for Daddy I wrote this poem to express how much I miss my father. My father died when I was about 3 months old and as a child I always wanted to have a relationship with him. Not having him around was one thing but not having anyone from his family in my life began to really take an emotional toll on me. Having to do family projects I always wanted more information. Not just a name but to actually build a relationship is something I have longed for. He would be so proud to just know that his baby girl and only child has made it this far in life. As I continue through life's journey I am reminded how much a father is needed in a females life.
- 9. The Completion: Nervous, anxious but excited to finally see the person that I had been communicating with over facebook I quickly arose when the alarmed sounded after a quick nap. September 10, 2010 would not be a normal night but it would be a night to remember. “Tony, hurry up”, I yelled as I quickly wanted my boyfriend to finish getting dressed. I could not be late because I had booked the bowling lanes at Triad Lanes in Greensboro, NC. Running down the stairs I put on my blue pea coat and got in the green Ford Explorer. Forgetting that there was no working heat, I ran back inside to grab my gloves and hat. “Chirp, Chirp”, my phone was constantly going off.
- 10. The Completion: Tony begins to slowly ease out the drive way making our way to the bowling alley, “Tony can you drive any slower”, I yell. “Shanequa, I am driving the speed limit, just sit over there and hush”, Tony mumbled. So many thoughts running through my mind but all I can do is sit here quietly and hope that we make it on time. “Tony, you think I look like them?”, “You think they will like me?, “What should I do when they try to hug me?, I say jokingly.” Tony glances at me and says, “Will you please take a chill pill?”
- 11. The Completion: Finally after fifth teen minutes we arrive at the bowling alley. I hesitate to get out the car but I do and run into Triad Lanes. Inside awaits my mother and sister. We grab our shoes and head to the lanes. A tap on my left shoulder comes and it’s a brown skin tall guy smiling back at me. “Little Greedy Man”, says a voice. I turn and its Barry Hawkins. Barry is a cousin on my fathers side. Smiling and anxiously I stand and greet Barry and Billy. Billy is the younger brother of Barry and a cousin of mine as well. Never knowing that this day would come I never asked questions but we continued to bowl until we could not anymore. Talking and laughing as if we had known each other for years, this day was the day I met a man that would fill the void and answer questions that I was unsure of.
- 12. Reflection: Narrative – Completion This narrative was written to describe the first time I met my cousin Barry. Barry is a first cousin to my father. After longing to meet my father’s side I was relieved to find him on facebook but even more excited to finally meet him. Not only has he been a positive role model but he constantly checks on me and whenever I am in need I can see he is right there. His visits and check ups mean more to me than he probably knows. The love and support was what I needed as a college student.
- 13. A Man of Strength GEANIE: Grandfather Grandfather Encourager Awesome Neatly Dressed Intelligent Entrepreneur This words describe the man that I call “Papa” Its another day that the Lord has kept you here As I write this to you, I cant help but to shed a tear. Through all of the dark nights you’ve faced, Remember in heaven there is a space. Weeping may endure for a night, But just keep fighting the fight. From selling appliances to hosting elementary field days, You have always went out of your way. You have worked so hard to supply our every need, Even those who weren't your seed. Letting me have my way, You always knew what to say. Just a simple call to check on me, You always told me, “Be the best grandchild I could be.” I never knew that you would face obstacles such as you have, But I am glad you are still here to provide a good laugh. You may not always be able to do what you use to, But I am glad for what you are able to do. Several heart attacks and hospitals trips, I am so glad God did not seal your lips. It is a blessing to be able to still call you, Just to hear you say, “I love you too”.
- 14. Reflection My Grandfather has been there for me since birth. Growing up he could not believe how black I was when I was born but I have grown to be his little black baby that he spoils. I wrote this poem about my grandfather who has been my provider, resource (financial) and a friend. My grandfather had several heart attacks and he is now doing what doctors thought he couldn't’t. For as long as I can remember my grandfather has had some type of business. While he may not have been what others wanted him to be he has still been one of my closest friends and for that I am truly grateful. Its not easy when you have no father but he has filled that void in every way possible.
- 15. About the Author : My name is Shanequa Perry. I was born in Raleigh, NC but raised in Louisburg (grandparents) and Greensboro(mom). I will graduate December 2014 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Elementary Education, concentration in Social Studies and a minor in Women & Gender Studies. This multi-genre project is dedicated to Five Guys especially those who have stood in the gap after my father passed away. Favorite Quote: “ In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”-Bill Cosby