Kambri Crews Quotes

United States, Producer
June 22, 1971

Kambri Crews is an American comedic storyteller based in New York City and author of The New York Times bestseller Burn Down the Ground: A Memoir, a book about her chaotic childhood with deaf parents. Crews was spotlighted as a top comedy choice in the May 19, 2008 edition of Time Out New York, which called her an "emerging monologist." Crews has also been referred to as a "world class storyteller".

Also known as Author, Writer

An avid reader, I never missed a book by Judy Blume or Agatha Christie. They both remain two of my favorite authors. If I could have combined these ladies into one person, that's who I would have wanted to be when I grew up.

Kambri Crews
- Up
- Book
It can't be pretty without being ugly first.

Kambri Crews
- Pretty
- Ugly

Mostly, I stand in awe of the every day women I knew from childhood that I interact with on Facebook. They struggle with juggling careers and raising children, endure hardships and occasional setbacks and yet do so with humility, grace and a sense of humor. Now that is inspiring!

Kambri Crews
- Women
- Children
- Struggle
Being a figurehead for those with family members in prison is somewhat new for me. Something I've discovered since my father's incarceration is that the prison system is broken. My first-hand experiences have taught me that reform needs to happen sooner than later. I'm most interested in mentoring children with parents in prison. When a parent is sentenced to a jail term, the child is sentenced to the same time to be spent without a mother or father. No child should suffer a stigma or lack support and guidance because of the sins of a parent.

Kambri Crews
- Children
- Mother
- Father
Growing up, I was constantly reminded to not to air our family's dirty laundry. Part of why domestic violence is allowed to continue is because there is often an unwritten rule in many families of abuse: Don't ask. Don't tell. Keeping quiet does no good. I found that sharing my story liberated me from my past. There is power in storytelling and, in that, healing. Owning my truth also empowered me. I will no longer be manipulated or controlled by guilt or shame.

Kambri Crews
- Past
- Dirty
- Healing
Throughout my childhood, I had served as an interpreter for my family. When I left home, I also left the Deaf community. I'd had enough of being a de facto intermediary and wanted to find my own identity. But, over time, I learned to embrace both cultures and find balance between them. I love my Deaf and CODA family and hope they would be proud to call me one of their own.

Kambri Crews
- Home
- Community
- Childhood