■ Editor’s note: How do young people view the Golden Triangle? It’s a question that interested us. So when University of Mississippi journalism students came to Columbus recently to work on a package of stories with The Dispatch, we asked them to find out. The students interviewed eight local young people from differing backgrounds. Throughout this week, we will present their stories and how this area has shaped them. Today, we feature Marquet McBride.
Not everyone has the courage to pack up and travel the country at age 18, but Marquet McBride did.
After graduating from Columbus High School in 1995, McBride set out to see America. In 2005, he was writing and performing poetry from San Diego to Harlem, New York. At one point, he performed with the African-American performance troupe, the Last Poets.
But he also sometimes struggled to make ends meet. He slept in subways. He napped in parks. He even stole food to eat.
Eventually, he endured an emotional crisis, and returned to Mississippi in 2012 to focus on his work.
“There is no place like home,” McBride said. “Especially in the South, it’s just home.”
Now 39 years old, McBride saves money by living in a small guesthouse behind his parent’s home just outside Columbus. He works full-time in the paint section at Lowe’s, but hasn’t given up his art.
McBride, who merges poetry with rap, often performs his socially progressive work at Columbus venues. He’s participated in the Dream 365 event and was a creative writing instructor for the Columbus Arts Council. He also uses his passion for poetry to impact the younger generation by volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, just as his seventh grade librarian did for him.
“Adults have to guide kids and help them stay focused,” McBride said.
He wants kids to see more of the world than what they are used to. McBride feels that the direct words in his poetry allow kids to see what needs to be changed in the world.
“I wanted to help them expand their knowledge,” McBride said. “These kids need to see more of the world and understand that there is more than what they are used to seeing.”
McBride said poverty and the lack of activities for the younger generation in Columbus is a problem, but he has hope that the city will change. He wants to see museums, parks and other free educational events to stimulate kids’ minds.
“I would really love to see a massive science and history museum,” McBride said.
He said these projects may be done on a smaller scale than in major cities, but the Golden Triangle can do it. All it takes is the right people with the love and will to make a financial and personal sacrifice, McBride said.
He also thinks increased racial unity would make Columbus a stronger city.
“Racism still exists,” McBride said. “On both sides, both black and white.
“Columbus has potential to compete with any major city. It’s just a matter of us coming together and doing the right thing for the younger generation.”
Although McBride wants change in Columbus, he’s proud to call the city home. He said that the only other place he’s visited that felt as welcoming as Columbus was Harlem. The region’s scenery and serenity is also a plus.
“I want people to know that overall Columbus is a nice place to live,” McBride said.
McBride has no plans to leave Columbus anytime soon. He sees himself settling here with his family and possibly raising children in the future.
“This is my home base and I want my family to experience what I did growing up,” McBride said.
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