Dessa was just a child when she discovered a love of words. In the decades since, she’s made waves around the world by harnessing the power of words to tell stories as a hip-hop artist, singer and writer.
In telling her stories – and listening to the stories of others – Dessa has come to appreciate their power to bring people together, even across the kinds of political and social divides found in America today.
Finding connections through shared understanding – and creativity
Connectivity can be elusive between people who don’t use language in the same way, however. In addition to vocabulary, Dessa was also empowered when she learned about storytelling devices such as themes, story arcs and patterns.
Dessa found her common language in the world of hip-hop, especially its energy, personal and emotive lyrics, and – maybe most importantly – its high volume of words. “If you’re trying to deliver an autobiographical vignette, that’s like a 14.5 minute folk song,” she joked. Joining Minneapolis’s Doomtree label, she has released five albums and toured globally.
Finding common ground – even when it’s uncomfortable
Just as Dessa has been able to use her art to tell stories of her own life, she has become more receptive to the stories others tell in their own ways. When she performs, she says, “this is an affidavit about what the world looks like through [my] portal. I can say, hey, here's what moves me.”
When she hears something that makes her angry, or uncomfortable, she tries to take a step back and understand the speaker is doing the same thing. Sometimes, it gives her an opportunity to both educate and learn.
Small kindnesses and small moments
Even when common ground can’t be found, Dessa said, it’s sometimes enough to just be kind to the extent you can. Her example in this case was an older neighbor who expressed racist beliefs. She was angry and hurt. But when she learned he was dying, even though there was no moment of reconciliation, she helped him with errands.
“Sometimes it's just unsatisfying, basic human decency that's asked of you,” she said. “You don't get a happy redemption. The credits don't roll with strings.”
