Essmaa Litim, also known as Yessmaa, is a multidisciplinary artist, activist, and author from Boston. Her family immigrated to the United States from Algeria to establish a prominent future. Facing adversity in the form of language, social, and socio-economic barriers, their hindrances did not discourage them; instead, propelled them to plant new seeds and form a strong foundation.
Essmaa released her first book, ‘Speechless’, which is a memoir recounting her family’s story of immigration and highlights the journey they faced in raising their five children, including the youngest, who is autistic and non-verbal.
As an established spoken word artist and poet, Essmaa has been able to connect with diverse audiences with her ingenious approach and provides a unique space for them to come together as a whole. Founder of Femme Flo, an exhilarating platform for femme poets to showcase their talents by providing them an equal space to rise above social limitations and amplify marginalized voices through forming a supportive community.
Through her culture and roots, Essmaa’s mission is to advocate for the importance of liberation, identity, and self-expression. Storytelling both uplifts our ancestral voices and helps break the generational curses that have long plagued generations past. In this poet-to-poet conversation, Latina Bohemian, who is a first-generation advocate of the arts and a writer, sat down with Essmaa to discuss the path towards creativity and how family lineage has a special influence in the life of a creative.
Latina: Tell us how it all began. What drove you to write a book about your mother’s journey? Originally it was supposed to be about your brother who has autism.
Essmaa: ‘Speechless’ started with me telling my mom, “You have a story to tell” over the years. Watching her power rise through life both inside the home, nurturing her family, and conquering the world outside of us, left an incredible inspiration to this day. Her life story of being an immigrant Algerian woman moving to America and raising five children, including her youngest, who is autistic and nonspeaking, is a powerful one and I wanted to be the one to share it.
During the first couple of months of the COVID lockdown, I asked my mother’s permission to write her story. I wanted to highlight her journey raising her youngest son, Moha, but when I finally started writing it, I realized this book is an opportunity to highlight my mother’s life holistically. I knew this was the chance to shed light on immigration, cultural adversity, and an introduction to traditions that are often underrepresented.
Through interviewing her, I began to learn more and more about my mother. We connected on a deeply spiritual level because I was learning from not just being her daughter but also as a woman whose life is multi-dimensional. Her story left me speechless, so her story became ‘Speechless.’
Latina: Was there a moment where you had to pause throughout writing the book and go inward to reflect on her story?
E: There were plenty of moments we dove deep and had to take breaks. The love, the pain, and the memories were standing naked in front of us as we watched. It was both enlightening and scary but always rooted in pure love. No matter how hard. Love was the compass every single time. There were moments when we cried together.
Moments where I felt her nostalgia and, in a way, I too became nostalgic over a time I never existed in. A time I wish I could’ve held her hand and told her it was going to be okay. ‘Speechless’ is a testament to family in every capacity. The togetherness, the loyalty, the sacrifices. All of it.
I separated myself from myself when writing the book. I couldn’t write as her daughter. I had to embody her body of work. Writing about the dreams my mother had about my brother Moha was especially hard because I have those dreams too. I know how real they feel. I reflected each time I put pen to paper to ensure I’m capturing Safia in all her light. In a way, ‘Speechless’ is a reflection of itself.
Latina: As a performing artist, have there been any disbelief from others? Coming from a family who wanted a traditional path for you.
E: I am extremely blessed that my family supports my creative arts journey. Whether that be community organizing, being a spoken word artist, or writing books, they have always stood by my side. I believe that comes from their own personal mantra of “be a leader, not a follower.” I have carved my own path, and so long as I’m happy, I know they’re proud.
Although the creative arts industry is not a traditional path my family promoted to us, it’s one that’s rooted in advocacy, love, and positive change all elements they stand by. Of course, we were encouraged to follow the path of medicine, law, and engineering, but to be honest, none of my siblings followed that path. I guess it’s just not in the genes. But what is in the genes includes passion, motivation, and pride, all things that continue to carry us into our dreams.
Latina: Be a leader and not a follower. Is one of the mantras your parents taught you to live by. How do you apply it to your life and career?
E: This mantra was something my parents instilled in me early on, and it’s become a quiet compass in both my life and career. For me, being a leader means having the courage to stay true to your values, even when it’s unpopular or uncertain. In my creative work and community efforts, I apply this by trusting my vision, even when it doesn’t fit trends or mainstream expectations.
I create spaces that I wish had existed for me, especially for underrepresented voices, and that takes initiative and a willingness to step into the unknown. It also means leading with integrity—uplifting others, setting the tone for collaboration, and being someone who empowers rather than controls. I don’t follow the path just because it’s well-worn; I try to carve a path that feels authentic, even if it takes more time or is more complicated.
Latina: Community and collaboration are very fundamental in your creative endeavors. What is it about connectivity that has shaped your artistry?
E: Community and collaboration have been the heartbeat of my creative journey. For me, artistry isn’t just about self-expression—it’s about shared expression. Being in community means being exposed to a range of voices, stories, and truths that constantly expand my perspective. Collaboration teaches me to listen more deeply, to create with empathy, and to embrace vulnerability.
Connectivity has shaped my artistry by grounding it in purpose. When I create in connection with others—whether through dialogue, performance, or co-creation—it transforms the work from something personal into something communal. It becomes a bridge, a conversation, and a space for healing and understanding. That sense of belonging and mutual inspiration keeps my art alive and evolving.
Latina: Our ancestors are the caterpillars of current present. How do you honor your lineage and their perseverance?
E: My ancestors are the reason why I am even here chasing my dreams. If it weren’t for their strength and resistance to occupation, I wouldn’t know what pride even means. They sacrificed so we could be free, and what would I be if I weren’t eating from the plate they set? Where would we be if we didn’t carry on their traditions? What would they say? I pay homage because we share the same bloodline, and their memories are also mine. Their fight was also mine. I incorporate cultural elements into all my art.
My poem “Ancestral Ties” (see excerpt below) pays respects to their experiences, and I thank them for all they’ve done. I honor them by holding onto language and speaking in their native tongue. I represent our culture through wearing traditional clothing, listening to our music, and sharing stories so that they are never forgotten. In remembering the past, we must also set the foundation to BE the ancestors we want to be for our future generations.
Ancestral Ties
By Yessmaa
When they ask me where I’m from.
I come from the bodies that bodied colonialism
I come from the streets that turned resistance into freedom
I come from women whose names I dare never forget
When I eat bread, I never say baguette.
Essmaa Litim, also known as Yessmaa, is a multidisciplinary artist, activist, and author from Boston. Follow her on Instagram, and get a copy of her book ‘Speechless‘.
Latina Bohemian is a creative writer and poet from Greater Boston. Her mission is to create impact and innovation through storytelling. Follow her on Instagram to see more of her work.
