Ryan Brown: A Journey of Poetry and Community
Ryan Brown’s poetic journey began in 2007 when he discovered Flagstaff’s FlagSlam, a vibrant poetry community that ignited his passion for spoken word. Brown, alongside a small group of like-minded young people, began writing poetry, eventually stepping into the role of Slammaster in the fall of 2008. This pivotal year saw the Flagstaff poetry scene flourish, with notable features such as Gypsee Yo and Andrea Gibson gracing the Flagstaff stages for the first time. Their performances reinvigorated a slam community that pulled poets from Northern Arizona University, Sedona, and Phoenix, creating one of the largest and most consistent poetry slams in Arizona.
After slamming at his first National Poetry Slam in 2008, Brown honed his writing to focus on themes of community, social networking, and the timeless topics of love, intimate relationships, and human connection. His dedication to these ideals and his craft earned him a place on the Flagstaff National Poetry Slam Teams in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. He was also part of the 2008 National Poetry Slam semifinalist team.
Teaming up with Frank O’Brien on Flagstaff Nationals teams in 2008, 2009, and 2010, Brown’s journey took an interesting turn when he worked on herb and coffee farms in Hawaii in late 2010. This period of introspection and hard work eventually led him back to Northern Arizona University (NAU), where he pursued an English degree, graduating with the class of 2012.
Ryan Brown’s contributions to the FlagSlam scene have been instrumental in its growth and sustainability. The weekly poetry slams at Firecreek Coffee Co. thrive in an all-ages environment, drawing upwards of 100 people on school nights and attracting poets from miles away. His leadership and passion have helped build a robust and dynamic poetry community in Flagstaff.
Beyond poetry, Brown’s interests are as diverse as his talents. He is an avid baseball fan, skateboarder, and enjoys deep, meaningful conversations on patios with a few good friends or his brothers. These elements of his life enrich his poetry, bringing authenticity and relatability to his work.
Arizona poet, Ryan Brown credits John Cartier, Frank O’Brien, Jessica Guadarrama, Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, and Josh Wiss as his biggest influences, both in poetry and life. These individuals have shaped his poetic voice and personal philosophy, inspiring him to explore the depths of human emotion and connection through his art.
Ryan Brown’s journey is a testament to the power of community, the importance of creative expression, and the enduring human spirit. His poetry continues to resonate with audiences, capturing the essence of love, relationships, and the intricate web of human connections that define our lives.
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