Meet India Brown | Creative Writer, Artist, Author, Minister, & Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with India Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi India, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creativity pursues me, and I make time for it because it reenergizes my sense of purpose and fulfillment. Writing poetry, designing flyers, creating mixed media art, developing fun ice breakers and activities; all of it helps me to connect with and express myself while also providing the same outlet for others. Giving voice to the voiceless is a nearly primal urge, or perhaps its a chance to reparent my inner child. I love to be able to do so whenever I can.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always say I wear a lot of hats but I think it just looks that way to others who can’t keep track of my roles and work. I’ve learned to be okay with not being understood or known. I don’t fit into a nice neat little box. However, for me, everything is connected. So it’s more like…I wear a lot of layers, some more prominently visible to others. I love that I have participated in art which was exhibited at a museum just as much as I love having it shown at more local and intimate settings. Winning poetry slams and losing them, both taught me so much about who I am and how to value myself beyond people’s applause. Ministering in a church, in someone’s home, or simply in conversation still honors the space I get to hold for others regularly. Serving mothers, Black mothers, and their children, the same way so many serve me is priceless. I have been involved in some powerful work with Cradle Cincinnati and Mama Certified. And of course, now, my work with my Alma Mater, The Ohio State University, preparing and creating access for First Generation scholars in Cincinnati is the same work which made it possible for me to attend and graduate OSU. So I’ve learned that every layer I wear is not meant for every season. I take these opportunities on and off as seasons of my life change and necessitate it. Some are daily wear items, intimate, like my writing and my art. Therefore, although others may not always see it, it remains essential to how I present myself to the world and move through it. Having many careers, talents, or roles is not encouraged by the school of thought which educated and raised me. They call it job hopping. However, I call it hope farming. Others might know it as share cropping. I give a great deal in hopes of yielding the same or more, but its on borrowed land and I’m on borrowed time. I understand I won’t be here forever. Why not then work in tandem with people who can pick up where you left off, who can reap what you’ve sown, or build upon it? It’s a beautiful thing being multifaceted. Everyone can’t handle it but I wasn’t made to be handled, to be consumed. So I won’t apologize for being beyond someone’s grasp. A popular saying which isn’t always fully expressed puts it this way: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooooh this is fun. We’d definitely hit a few libraries, believe it or not. They have 3D Printing and other fun events and activities plus, of course, books! If we’re at Madisonville Library then we’re going to Whetsel Whip for ice cream after and the Cheesecakery is right there next door, if they’re feeling extra sweet. If we’re at the downtown library, I’d take them to BlaCk Coffee Lounge for pastries, coffee, hot chocolate, and vibes. Great community conversations. We’d also hit the Contemporary Art Center which is free and family friendly. We could go across the street after to Bru Burger Bar, whose food I’m a little obsessed with, no lie. The next few days I’d take them to Cosmic Gorilla which is sadly closing but will return as Highball. I’d take them anyway. It was a comic book store with a speakeasy of various themes in the back depending on the time of year. Now it sounds like it’s becoming fancy bar with events and pop up. Excited to see it. While we’re down there, we have to go to Findlay Market, specifically Flavors of the Isle, an amazing Jamaican Spot. My other favorite food spots are Elephant Walk (Ethiopian and Indian food, my favorite cuisines), Tortilleria Garcia (1.25 Taco Tuesdayyyyy), Asiana on Edwards (Thai food and Thai Team yummm), and Factory 52 Gatherall (a food hall where you can get chicken skins from Gabriella, tacos from Shangos, drinks from the bar, Jeni’s ice cream plus the indoor and outdoor spaces are amazing!). We’d have a time, lots of nap breaks and a massage would definitely be scheduled with Cincinnati Prenatal Massage because Dee’s hands are amazing and pregnancy is not a requirement to have your body catered to here. Other than that we’d probably walk the banks, check out a game, visit the Freedom Center, and go to Agave and Rye because can you ever get enough of tacos?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely. I would be remiss not to shout out my tOSU and Columbus family and community who wrapped their arms around me and lifted me up in my most desperate times. My undergraduate experience was like none other. I have little words and so much gratitude for the people who me in my undefined and seeking self then loved me through each finding. They celebrate my growth and accomplishments louder than I do. They are home. However, I’d also have to shout out my Cincinnati mom friends and village, in particular Queen’s Village Cincinnati and 33 West Studios, who helped me find myself again through art, photography, and connection. I am a more complete person, friend, and mom because of their affirmations and stretching.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indiabrownohio

Image Credits
Ce Brooks Photography (Author Headshot), Kiana Schriever (Orange Dress Headshot)