National Veterans Creative Arts Festival participant uses spoken word to empower fellow Veterans
Rickey Ransom is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and spoken word enthusiast from Dallas, Texas.
For a third time, he’ll participate in the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., during the Stage Show Performance.
A platform for Veteran artists
The Creative Arts Festival showcases Veteran artists who create visual arts, including oil painting and leatherwork, as well as writing and performing arts, such as dance, drama, and music.
“This competition gives me the golden opportunity to use the gift God gave me,” he shared. “By participating, I share my testimony with other Veterans through spoken word.”
Ransom won first place in VA North Texas Health Care System’s creative arts competition. He is once again poised to showcase his skills nationally, where he has previously taken first place.
Ransom's gift
Ransom has been performing spoken word since he was a child. His grandmother had him memorize poems to recite in their church’s Easter program.
His return to the Creative Arts Festival is a testament to his personal growth and dedication.
“From a dark place of addiction, I found comfort and purpose in spoken word,” shared Ransom. “It’s my way of doing God’s work. I’m grateful to share it on a larger stage.”
Ransom believes more Veterans would benefit from VA’s recreational therapy programs and should consider entering the creative arts competitions at their VA medical centers, citing creative arts as a source of strength.
Creative arts’ role in recovery
“Creative arts, especially for Veterans reclaiming their lives from addiction, can be a powerful tool,” Ransom expressed. “It’s a journey to self-discovery. The support you receive along the way is life-changing.”
A unique blend of inspiration
“My passions are writing and spoken word poetry,” he said. “I’ve drawn inspiration from rappers such as NAS, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar because of their lyrical skills, Christian rappers such as Bizzle and Seven because they gave their lives to God and Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill.”
Ransom said that while he admires those artists, his favorite style is his own.
Since his journey to recovery began, Ransom has shared his spoken word testimony in several churches and says expression through art is a lifeline.
“When I speak, it’s therapy,” said Ransom. “It relaxes me and helps me express myself when I’m feeling intense emotions. I think God gave me this gift to express myself, to overcome my challenges and to help Veterans break free from addiction.”
A new chapter
Today, Ransom is taking courses on digital music production because his goal is to record his content. He envisions himself as a producer, blending spoken word and music to inspire other Veterans to seek help.
“I can’t thank my sister, fiancée and my care team enough for their role in my recovery!” exclaimed Ransom. “God put these incredible people in positions to help me overcome my challenges and grow as a child of God. I wouldn’t be where I am without their help and support.”
In the coming weeks, Ransom will marry his fiancée. He plans to travel to her home in Ghana, where they will marry.
The Creative Arts Festival is hosted by VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and co-presented by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary, May 11-17, 2024. Learn more about the week’s events and performances that are open to the public.
Jesus Flores is a writer & editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran