Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimiko White
Hi Kimiko, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been guided by the Most High, who has directed my steps and kept me grounded in faith through every twist and turn. It’s a story of resilience, passion, and purpose.
When I started college at Tuskegee University, I thought I had my life planned out. But everything changed when I lost my grandfather. His passing became a turning point, forcing me to reflect on the concept of time. I realized I wasn’t pursuing my calling. I decided to follow my long-time passion for writing. With the Most High leading me, I poured my heart into my poetry, eventually publishing my book, Fever Memory, through World Stage Press.
From there, I became a teacher’s assistant for the Community Literature Initiative, where I’ve helped other poets transform their dreams into reality. Teaching and mentoring have been incredibly fulfilling—proof that the Most High always places us where we’re meant to be.
At the same time, I stepped into the classroom as a substitute teacher for LBUSD.
Entrepreneurship has also become a major part of my story. I started a hat company that celebrates the culture and diversity of Long Beach—a reflection of the creativity and inspiration the Most High has given my family and I. Growing this business has been a beautiful journey of faith, resilience, and vision.
Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing multiple roles and carrying the weight of big dreams isn’t easy. But I trust that the Most High equips me with the strength and perseverance to overcome every obstacle.
Every step I take, whether it’s writing, teaching, or building my business, is a testament to my faith. I’m striving for something bigger—to work smarter, not harder; to travel the world; to retire early; and to live in alignment with the purpose the Most High has for me. This journey has taught me to trust Him and keep going, knowing that with faith, all things are possible. And this is only the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe the challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into who I am today. Life has a way of testing you, and I’ve learned that those tests can either break you or refine you.
Losing my grandfather while at Tuskegee was devastating. He was the father figure who raised me while my dad was imprisoned. His death made me face the fragility of life and question if I was truly living with purpose. It pushed me to realign with my passions and take bold steps toward what really matters.
Even recently, life reminded me just how fragile it is. I was involved and injured in the mass shooting at Tuskegee University’s 100th Homecoming. That experience gave me a completely new perspective on the concept of time and the incredible grace and mercy of the Most High. It’s such a privilege to wake up and live another day. Surviving something like that forced me to slow down and appreciate the moments I used to take for granted. It also strengthened my faith, reminding me that I’m still here for a reason.
Every struggle has taught me something—whether it’s patience, resilience, or the importance of leaning into my faith. And while I’ve faced more than my fair share of challenges, I know they’re all part of a bigger plan to mold me into the person I’m meant to be.
Lucille Clifton wrote, “Come celebrate with me that every day something has tried to kill me and has failed.” That line stays with me. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there’s victory in simply being here, breathing, living, and continuing to fight for what matters. I remind myself that the Most High doesn’t put anything in front of me that I can’t handle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a poet, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for the arts, driven by a deep love for literature and its ability to create change. As a small child, I was inspired by Maya Angelou’s words, which taught me that language could heal, uplift, and transform. Her work instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of poetry and ignited my lifelong passion for writing.
In 2023, World Stage Press published Fever Memory, which opened the door for me to work with the Community Literature Initiative (CLI) as a teaching assistant. I help seasoned poets turn their manuscripts into published books, empowering them to share their voices.
In addition to my role as a teaching assistant for the Long Beach Chapter under one of the most prominent outstanding voices on the scene, Tommy Domino, I’m also an executive assistant for CLI. This position has strengthened everything I thought I knew about the subject at hand, giving me a more in-depth understanding of the intricacies that literature can have while also changing the narrative about what it truly means for your job to be something you love to do.
During my time at Tuskegee University, I co-founded Skegee Speaks with Dr. Camille Alexander, Assistant Professor of Literature at Tuskegee University, where we created a space for exceptionally talented students to share their poems, perform, and seek opportunities to expand their experiences around the art. I also hosted open mics and was deeply involved in the English Club. Throughout my work, I’ve remained passionate about literature, especially when I reflect on the history of Black people and how reading, writing, and learning were once punishable crimes. The sacrifices our ancestors made to pursue education are a constant reminder of the value of what some may even consider basic knowledge.
At my core, I’m an English nerd—novelist, essayist, editor—dedicated to the art. Literature has always been my passion, and I’m honored to guide others as they find their voice. And through it all, there’s that little girl inside me—reading Maya Angelou, dreaming of a different reality, and believing in the transformative power of words.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the COVID-19 crisis, I learned some invaluable lessons about vulnerability, connection, and the importance of doing what scares me. Early on, I started an Instagram account under the pseudonym, Pw., to share my poems without the pressure of revealing my identity. I had a deep fear of sharing my work, worried about how others would react. But I needed to get honest, unfiltered feedback. That account became a space for me to grow, to face that fear, and to push past it. Over time, I blossomed within the writing community, connecting with poets from LA County, Alabama, Houston, and beyond. I never could have imagined that poetry would take me this far.
The pandemic gave me the time and space to confront the things I’d been avoiding, and I realized how important it is to share your voice, even when it feels uncomfortable. Putting yourself out there, whether in your art or in life, creates opportunities for growth and connection that only The Most High can prepare you for.
Pricing:
- Fever Memory – $20
- Long Beach Hat Company Beanie – $35
- Long Beach Hat Company Beanie (Limited Edition) – $40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lbhatcompany.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pw.writing/ , https://www.instagram.com/kiimikowhite/ , https://www.instagram.com/lbhatcompany/
