Album Notes

Artistic Biography

Before a butterfly becomes the beautiful creature it is known to be, it must first go through a detailed – and often painful – process. A butterfly is a living testament to the truths that sometimes, struggle produces strength and pain gives birth to purpose. Given such, it’s more than fitting that Darlene Solomon-Rogers, a poet and activist raised in NE Portland is known as Blacque Butterfly.

Blacque Butterfly recently self-published a limited edition of her debut chapbook, titled “BLACK GIRL, CAN I COMB YOUR HAIR?” She is currently soliciting a publisher to re-release the work, in an expanded version, to the mainstream. In the meantime, she’s making a name for her self via independent promotion which will include the release of her debut album, a socially conscious mix of melodies and slammin beats featuring collaborations with some of the industry’s hottest indie artist. Speaking of artist, Blacque Butterfly has shared the stage with Liv Warfield and the Warfield project, The Blacknotes, Reparations, Lifesavas, Ray Frazier, Rochell D. “Ro Deezy” Hart, Sirens Echo, Mic Crenshaw, Hungry Mob, Sucka Punch, Auditory Sculpture Overnight Success and more.

In 2005, Darlene was one of three poets featured on “Say It Loud Volume 1” a spiritually focused mixtape produced by the world-famous O.G. One, who appeared twice on BET'’ Rap City / In The Basement. Blacque Butterfly has performed at venues that include the Tiger Bar, Kaiser Permanente, OAME (Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs) the Portland Chapter of the Black Dollar Days Task Force and she performs annually at the “Lift Every Voice” Choir Concert in Portland. She’s also done her thing on the mic at several colleges throughout the Portland Metro area.
Poetry was initially a form of self-therapy for Blacque Butterfly and as others became aware of her talent, it became a form of therapy for her coffee shop listeners as well. A survivor of domestic violence, Darlene is spiritually, emotionally and soulfully dedicated to helping those who have survived abuse – including men and children. She is also an actor who participants in the theatre of the oppressed. She also hosts a youth forum for at-risk youth called "Gorilla Theatre"

About blacquebutterfly
She is a founding member of the SC (Spiritual Clan) a group of performers, writers and activists whom have vowed to make a change in their community. Darlene believes that through her misery God has given her a ministry. She mentors youth and single mothers. She volunteers as a motivational speaker for women in domestic violence shelters. She works for a non-profit organization assisting homeless youth and displaced families.