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Writer's pictureLukumi Arlota

The Journey of Transformation: Faith Whatley-Blaine's Inspiring Path to Advocacy and Empowerment


Picture captured during her performance at the LMNT POETRY SERIES: A Poetry Night for the Voiceless


Faith Whatley-Blaine's story is a testament to the power of transformation, leadership, and advocacy. From conquering stage fright to winning prestigious titles, and from founding a nonprofit organization to promoting inclusivity, Faith’s journey exemplifies how personal growth can lead to meaningful community impact. Her unwavering commitment to authenticity and empowerment not only enriches her own life but also inspires those around her to embrace genuine self-expression and advocate for marginalized communities.


During a recent interview, Faith shared insights into the key influences that have shaped her journey, illustrating how her upbringing played a crucial role in both her personal growth and professional success. Here’s a deeper look at her story in her own words.


Q&A with Faith Whatley-Blaine


Q: In what ways do you believe your upbringing and early environment have sculpted not only your identity but also your vision for the future?


A: My early environment was infused with my parents’ unwavering belief in my potential, which ignited my desire to explore everything around me. I flitted between hobbies like a butterfly amongst the flowers, staying long enough to savor the joy before eagerly turning to the next adventure. This upbringing instilled in me a resilient spirit, unafraid to embrace any challenge, regardless of my experience. I confront new opportunities with the confidence that I am equipped with the knowledge and skill to be able to conquer it. Currently, I am pursuing a Juris Doctorate in law, a journey I owe to my family’s steadfast support and encouragement of all my aspirations.


Q: How have the dynamics and values within your family influenced your journey toward self-expression, and what tensions or harmonies have emerged in that process?


A: Growing up, one of the most significant social challenges I faced was navigating life as an autistic woman. Without understanding – both from others and myself – I was often the odd kid in the corner, unable to play with the other kids. When it feels like everyone’s deserted you, one has no choice but to seek solace elsewhere. For me, that solace came from the nonjudgmental embrace of nature. Many of my poems reflect this connection by personifying elements like the sky, the ocean, and the moon. During much of my life, nature was my only companion, providing a comforting presence that understood me when others could not.


Q: What motivated you to participate in the Miss Missouri Volunteer pageant after initially wanting to move on from pageantry?


A: Every performer leaves a piece of themself on stage and, deep down, each would gladly embrace their favorite role again if the opportunity arose. I’m no exception. Although I took a break from pageantry before college, I never stopped loving the spotlight. When a new pageant system emerged, centered on diversity and inclusivity, I felt it was my moment to return. I registered for the Miss Missouri Volunteer pageant armed with 5 year old dresses and a burning desire to perform for an audience again. I was fortunate to win and represent Missouri on a national stage where I secured a preliminary talent award with my piano piece and placed 3rd runner up.


Q: In what ways do you plan to use your title as Miss Missouri Volunteer to create a more inclusive environment in the pageant community?


A: During my year as Miss Missouri Volunteer, I dedicated myself to volunteering with the American Foundation of Suicide Pervention (“AFSP”) at numerous events. One of my key roles was advocating on Capital Day, where I joined many other advocates at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City to engage with congresswomen and senators about legislation aimed at improving the accessibility of mental health resources, specifically for the veteran and LGBT+ communities. I also participated in various fundraisers ranging from a Jeep contest to multiple Out of the Darkness Walks across the state. At each walk I shared my own struggles with mental health and how I’ve navigated these challenges with the help of a strong support system and my own resilience. My goal was to break down the stigmas and silence surrounding mental health to create a more inclusive environment where individuals can openly discuss their struggles and still feel strong and empowered.


Q: In "As It Begins," you describe a sense of restlessness and adventure. What personal experiences inspired this theme of wanderlust in your poetry?


A: I've had the privilege of marveling at the Rocky Mountains and soaking in the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. Yet, my fondest memories of nature occurred in a sun-dappled grove with a babbling creek, just two hours away from my childhood home. As kids, my little sister and I would spend hours chasing the shadows of darting minnows and learning to skip stones, while our parents looked on with smiles. Nature has always offered me a unique sense of peace, and after a traumatic experience just before college, I found myself chasing that feeling again. While many people equate adventure with adrenaline and excitement, I believe it serves a deeper purpose. For me nature and adventure hasprovided a sanctuary of peace and belonging, especially in times when I needed it the most.


Q: You mention "the astrophiles, the ecopoets, the radicals" in your poem. How do these groups represent the deeperconnection to nature and exploration that you aim to convey?


A: Crafting this line took me quite a while as I struggled to find the exact words to convey my specific message. In today’s culture, there remains a pervasive belief that if something does not lead to a career or contributing to society, then it is invalid or trivial and not worthy of pursuit. I wholeheartedly disagree. Groups like astrophiles and ecopoets embody those who celebrate nature’s beauty for their own sake. An astrophile isn’t defined by an occupation, but by a profound love for the stars. These passions are labeled as radical because society deems it unusual to be so captivated by something that doesn’t yield a tangible benefit. What’s more, is these groups find fulfillment in loving nature without feeling the need to unravel its mysteries. I believe there is an inherent beauty in cherishing something for purely selfish reasons, and no one should feel radical for doing so. Additionally, my love for poetry was profoundly inspired by an ecopoetry class, so this sentence is a nod to the revelations and knowledge I gained through that class.


Q: In "Wash Me Away," the imagery of the sky and rain plays a significant role. What does the sky symbolize for you about your emotions and personal struggles?


A: “Wash Me Away” explores the theme of releasing long-held anger. As a woman, I’ve often felt the weight of the persistent message that my anger holds no place in society. This pressure leads to incredible repression, which inevitably ends in a cathartic release. In the poem, the Sky symbolizes a nonjudgmental presence that grants me permission to embrace my anger. I often struggle to allow myself to express emotions openly, especially the messy ones. So the Sky becomes a comforting voice to reassure me: “It’s okay to cry.” In a world where emotional suppression is rampant, we all need spaces where we can cry, scream, and acknowledge these emotions that are both valid and unavoidable.


Q: Both poems explore themes of seeking and finding oneself. How do you see the journey of self-discovery reflected in your writing?


A: My self-discovery journey was a fairly isolated one, which is why many of my poems lack human figures. Each poem encapsulates emotions I’ve struggled to share with those around me, yet I feel a profound comfort in confiding in my leather-bound notebook. I find it easier to be honest with a pen and paper than in the presence of others, where the pressure to perform or maintain a face can be overwhelming. Writing allows me to connect more deeply with my thoughts and to forge an identity that is distinct from those around me – something I believe is essential in today’s world.


Q: You express a desire for readers to experience the catharsis of "screaming at the Sky." What do you hope people take away from your poetry in terms of emotional release and connection to the world around them?


A: Poetry doesn’t have to be perfect, and neither do you. The central themes of this poem are anger and messiness. I’ve noticed an immense pressure, especially on women, to maintain composure and appear flawless in challenging situations – an unrealistic and unfair expectation. This poem reflects a time when I completely fell apart, embracing all my messy emotions I couldn’t hide anymore. Anger, grief, and depression are often hidden from view and labeled as ‘bad’ emotions. Yet, denying these feelings only leads to deeper pain. The final stanza embodies my hope that readers will grant themselves permission to experience all the messy, ugly emotions they often conceal.


Q: How do your struggles and triumphs manifest in the themes of your poetry, and what do you hope they convey about the human experience?


A: I believe we place too much emphasis on the relentless pursuit of an unattainable greatness, creating a pervasive fear of never being enough. While I am no Rosetta Stone for understanding the human experience, I’ve discovered life’s deepest joys in the songs of blue jays and vibrant hues of autumn leaves. As someone whose struggles with mental health issues, my greatest triumph is my own survival and being able to still find such beauty and love in the world.


I find great happiness in writing poetry – not because I aim to be the next Mary Oliver or Emily Dickinson, but because I love when my thoughts spill onto a black page to create something beautiful. For me, that is enough and I hope to continue to find beauty in my life that inspires meaningful poetry.


Ultimately, Faith Whatley-Blaine’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and advocacy. Whether on stage, in her nonprofit work, or through her poetry, she has made it her mission to champion inclusivity, authenticity, and mental health awareness. Her journey serves as a reminder that personal growth can lead to profound community impact, inspiring others to strive for genuine self-expression and support for marginalized voices.

 

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Lukumi ArlotaContributing Writer

Lukumi Arlota is a mental health advocate, black empowerment activist, public speaker, and business owner.


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