Testimonials
Ladi Glori – Spoken Word Artist & Author of Ms. Understood, The Plight of a Poet
Carla is like Robin Hood except artists are the currency. It’s amazing. There are so many artists in the “pockets” of communities that unknowingly claim them as part of their wealth, but never acknowledge them. Carla collects those artists, depositing them into a community that will not only appreciate and acknowledge them, but will use them to elevate positivity in an area.
Kenneth Vincent Walker, Poet
Carla, this is in response to your requests for testimonials. Whether you choose to use this or not, no gift is required. You friendship is enough. It is my honor and privilege to acknowledge that my association with Carla Christopher has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. She is a force of nature, diverse, multi-talented, compassionate, dedicated and driven. The list of superlatives and accolades regarding her seems endless. Carla’s contribution and impact on the local community is immeasurable and priceless.
Jade Darling
Carla Christopher doesn’t just preach her beliefs from the pulpit she lives her convictions. Putting pen to paper is only one avenue she excells at bring her convictions to people. She has shown so many the path to finding their voice. Whether their through art or their activism or through their faith. She has shown people a way to make a difference & to find value in themselves.
Pastor Tanya Brubaker
Carla has been inspiring me with her work since she was poet laureate for the City of York. She has been committed to being a voice for the marginalized through her work with many organizations. Carla revived Juneteenth celebrations in our community, educates organizations such as ELCA and non-profits locally and nationally. Persons from LGBTQIA+, black, Hispanic and other communities whose voices have long been silenced can find hope, encouragement and truth in Carla’s writings.
Carol Clark-Williams, Poet Laureate Emeritus of York
Poetry falls naturally from Carla’s lips and flows from her pen to paper. She infuses language with power and beauty. Her poetry is spontaneous, open, evocative; her performances of poetry are joyous and charismatic. She has strongly promoted poetry, music and visual arts through every available method of communication in South Central PA, offering many opportunities for expression to novices and accomplished artists.
Sydney CH Benson, Esquire, Benson Legal Services
Challenging in love is what Carla Christopher does. She can confront someone with clear bias or racism in their heart with a compassion that overcomes, not only the individual holding bias, but those within the same space of the confrontation. Her words are carefully chosen and delicately delivered. Yes, she wants to change people views on racism and bias. More than that, she wants to create an atmosphere of unity and connectedness creating an unstoppable diverse team of compassion ninjas, loving people to change and preparing people for battle.
TJ Gagliardi – Author of Processing and Owner/Director of TJG Audio Books
Carla is dynamic in her approach to both poetry and its advancement. She is able to reach artists in all genres, blending styles both popular and traditional to reach a diverse audience. Miss Christopher’s poetry is intuitive. Finding common ground with readers and possessing a kinetic, emotive vibrancy that transcends race, gender and age. One never fails to learn from her or to be inspired. Her tenure as Poet Laureate of York Pa. has redefined the modern incarnation of the office. Her work with young artists, first time publishing poets and the blooming art activity about the region is unparalleled.
Dan Powers, Member of Heidelberg UCC
When Carla preaches, doors open. Not just doors, but interior doors, closet doors, basement doors. Whether it’s spontaneous or planned, scriptural or poetry, perhaps both, it’s an invitation to personally examine and evaluate where you and your soul stand. Sometimes I feel in congruence, while at other times, challenged. Each time, a journey. And, I feel safe. I feel safe that that path I am following Carla on with all of it’s traps and triggers in the end, will find me in a place of decision and direction. Carla’s preaching gives us a beautiful metaphorical compass. One that empowers each and everyone of us to decide what needs to be done, and how much. And yet, Carla applies proper urgency to the continuum, and we find ourselves motivated to make heaven on Earth, knowing that we shall return for more. Carla is good for the mind, body and soul.
Helen Knapp, York Area Poet & Elementary School Teacher
I just love the way Carla connects with people. Some people speak, some people lecture…Carla ‘communicates’. There is a passion, a concern, an interest and a fascination in her every conversation. Whether it’s mentoring children and young adults, talking openly with a class of college students or a reporter or performing on stage before a handful or a hundred – Carla has the same energy, enthusiasm and total engagement.