From Basketball Dreams to Inspiring Black Youth | Wallace Lane on Fatherhood, Writing, and Redemption

Baltimore is one of the largest producers of creatives around the United States. Some may boast that New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta thrive with creatives, but smaller buzz worthy cities like Detroit and Baltimore stamp the creative scene heavily. While in Baltimore, I've learned to explore and embrace those pockets of genius whenever I get the chance.

Writer and educator Wallace Lane sits down with Steph on "Sippin With Steph" and discusses the top 9 reasons why he's Baltimore's newest voice of literary reason.

1. Drinking and Social Rituals

   Our conversation opened with preparing an Old Fashioned cocktail, symbolizing tradition and camaraderie. Wallace speaks humorously about his past with drinking, indicating it as a learned sophistication compared to his younger days. The Old Fashioned drink becomes a metaphor for maturity and shared culture. I reached out to Wallace and this was the drink he requested for the candid interview.

2. Creative Inspiration and Writing

   Lane dives into his writing motivations, revealing that his work often draws from personal and cultural experiences. His piece "Nineties Drama" exemplifies this, as he explains how witnessing various struggles in the nineties has impacted his themes. The nineties come across as a foundational era for him, shaping his narrative voice and focus on urban life, community issues, and resilience.

3. Relatable, Everyday Topics

   Lane’s interest in "relatable topics" like baby showers and family gatherings underscores his ability to draw universal experiences into his writing. He mentions his love for conversations, particularly among Black communities, which provide him with a sense of connection and material for his stories. I love to bring up humorous topics and put my guests in spicy situations. Wallace can focus on serious and relatable interests simultaneously. The humorous mention of baby shower meatballs and mac-and-cheese evokes familiar cultural elements that resonate with his audience.

4. Influence of Environment on Growth

   The differences in environmental influences are highlighted when we discuss growing up in Baltimore versus a more suburban area, like Kansas City. Wallace's experiences in Baltimore, from neighborhood basketball courts to witnessing social issues firsthand, contribute deeply to his creative expression. His observations are essential in shaping his understanding of community dynamics and the city’s unique character.

5. Fatherhood and Personal Reflection

   Lane touches on fatherhood, reflecting on his role as a father and the importance of self-care for men. He emphasizes the need for men, especially Black men, to take time for themselves to maintain their foundations. He relates this self-awareness and prioritization of self-care to the ability to nurture those who depend on him, adding a layer of introspection on how he balances personal needs with familial responsibilities.

6. Teaching and Role Model Impact

   Lane discusses his role as an educator and the significance of building rapport with his students. His own challenging experiences growing up allow him to relate genuinely to the students he teaches. He notes the importance of transparency with young people, especially in areas related to the struggles they face, from violence to self-identity, aiming to connect with them authentically without oversharing his personal life.

7. Truth, Lies, and Honesty in Poetry

   A lively part of the conversation delves into the concept of honesty in art. Lane shares that poets often navigate the line between fiction and truth by focusing on emotion rather than pure fact. This emotional honesty, he feels, is what makes poetry resonate as deeply authentic. He contrasts this artistic integrity with lies he’s been told, musing about the layered nature of deception in relationships and society.

8. Relationships and Future Goals

   Lane shares insights on relationships, focusing on finding a partner who is "prepared" rather than someone who is merely considering commitment. This reflection on readiness for relationships seems to mirror his thoughts on maturity and purpose. He also reveals plans for an upcoming e-book dedicated to Black women, suggesting an evolution in his creative work towards celebrating love, heartbreak, and the emotional complexities of relationships.

9. Legacy and Mentorship

   Lane reflects on his respect for mentorship figures, particularly Big Sale, who was instrumental in teaching him about redemption and resilience. Lane emphasizes how figures like Big Sale illustrate the possibility of transformation and empowerment, which he hopes to carry forward in his work and presence in the community.

In conclusion, Wallace Lane’s interview is a candid exploration of his identity and experiences that influenced his creative work. His outlook on writing as both a profession and a personal outlet speaks to his desire to engage with and uplift his community through authentic storytelling and connection.