Meet Michael Guinn | Actor/Poet/Event Coordinator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Guinn and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Jacksonville Texas, East Texas just south of Tyler. My background was one of poverty-fueled adversity. I grew up in Jacksonville Texas, east on I-20, straight south down 69, left on East Lincoln, just north of downtown. Back in the 70s, neighborhood gossip was our clubhouse, the town newspaper was our social media and Football fueled our Friday nights.. Our house was a tiny 2 bedroom-1 bath, way too small for 5 boys, 2 parents, one cat, and some very bold mice. When I was nine years old, our family was burning trash in the backyard. Someone “unknowingly” threw in a spray paint can which exploded. I suffered 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to my face and arms and had to have several skin grafts. Spent 3 months in the Hospital. After that…life was not easy for me. I was a scared, scarred, skinny, little black boy in a small east Texas town and if you think teens in school are cruel now, back then they were brutal. I was already shy, lacked confidence, and looked down on myself. I didn’t know it at the time, but these situations provided me an opportunity to learn who I truly was. There weren’t many African American pole vaulters in the state at that time.
But I made varsity, won regionals, and went on state then college on a Track scholarship.
After college, I enlisted in the military. After completing my service, I took a job working at Rusk State A Psychiatric Hospital and while there I discovered that I had a gift for public speaking.. I was a natural at De-escalation, conflict resolution, mediation and empowerment.
So I decided to go back to school and enrolled at Stephen F Austin, where I graduated with a bachelor’s in social work and then I went on to grad school. After a brief stint in Trinity County, In 96’ I moved to Fort Worth and worked as a CPS Investigator, which is where I discovered poetry and spoken word. Or should I say. Where poetry and spoken word discovered me. One night, I came in from a really rough day in the field, sat down at my desk, put my head down, started crying and when I lifted my head, I had a pen in my hand. And the first thing I wrote was “What good is my master’s degree if I can’t be the master me” (2) I’ve been writing ever since.
Pole-vault and creative writing provided a platform for me to elevate my life in ways I could’ve never imagined.
Now this once skinny scared scarred little kid, is a published poet, actor and motivational speaker who uses his stories to motivate youth and adults to walk into their purpose. Since the last time I was here, I completed work as an actor on two series for Amazon Prime, two short films, and a commercial, and I won the Irma P Hall Black Theater Award for a featured actor in a stage play. I also have an agent and recently hired a voiceover and acting coach to help pursue this new chapter in my life. Even my daughter has been bitten by the spoken-word bug and is becoming a very socially active youth poet. She has even featured alongside dear old dad including a recent appearance on NBC5.
I live in Irving now and I thank God for my East Texas roots. And every chance I get, I travel back to east Texas to help create safe and supportive platforms just like this one. So that folks like me and you, can share their life stories. We call it “Gettin Free” Because high up in a clear blue sky I’m still rising. And nothing will stop my flight. Because I well I plan on flying forever. So wings don’t fail me now. I’m almost home! Thank ya’ll!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Michael Guinn-MSW is a social worker turned poet/actor who facilitates high-energy workshops & highly engaging presentations at conferences, youth symposiums, and campuses globally. He has more than 25 years invested with 100s of appearances at virtual events, films, and public speaking. Mike has spread joy and shared his wisdom and expertise all over the U.S. & Canada. He is a high-energy professional events coordinator who provides unique experiences and expertise as a host/poet/speaker/workshop facilitator for all ages. He has mastered the art of finding ways to elevate the value of social interactions. and has creatively and successfully combines current events with past experiences to paint pictures of purpose and endless possibilities that are entertaining and community-building.
This path has not been perfect. Michael had to overcome poverty, bulling and growing up in a very culturally starved East Texas town. When I was 9 I suffered severe burns and missed almost all of 3rd grade. That same year I was a victim of childhood trauma and wrote my first suicide note.
When I was 19th I came home from college for the summer and was stabbed twice trying to stop a man from beating on a woman. That same year I wrote my second suicide poem!
At 29 after working all night, I fell asleep at the wheel driving from Rusk State Hospital to Stephen F Austin to attend classes, flipped my car and walked away.
At 39 i was shot twice in Sacramento California after leaving an open mic. It was on the eve of my debut as an actor in the California Musical “Keeping The Dream Alive”
At 49 i was hit by a drunk driver on my way home from an open mic.
And finally, at age 59, I get to be happy. I got engaged this year to another survivor, a poet, a real woman, and a friend. Valerie. Now I get to travel and build with her. I’ve been through a lot and made some mistakes but I’m here for a reason. I’m playing catch-up! And finally, my prayers are being answered.
One day I was working as a CPS Investigator and after a long day in the field I was emotionally exhausted from seeing all the trauma and abuse. I came in, slumped down at my desk, put my head down, and started crying and when I lifted my head I had a pen in my hand. The first thing I wrote was. “What Good Is My Masters Degree If I Can’t Be The Master Of Me” After that everything came pouring out of me. All my trauma and abuse, all my hurt and pain. I’ve been writing ever since. I made a vow that day that I would be vulnerable and transparent so that I could inspire other men and women that it’s okay to share your heart. It was Dec 21st 1997.
The lesson I’ve learned is to always be yourself.. Stay true to who you are.
I want the work to know that Mike Guinn Entertainment is a company that strives to create safe and supportive spaces so that multicultural audiences of all ages and races can come share and be inspired by each other.
Mike Guinn Entertainment currently hosts 6 ongoing open mics and Michael serves on several boards and is a voting member of the NAACP Image Awards. * 9 ongoing venues throughout Texas
* Offer 60 years of Poetry & Spokenword Experience
* Have Been Featured or hosted at over 1500 events
* Booked and paid more than 2000 poets, musicians, and comedians over the past 25 years.
* Have hosted more than 50 workshops
* Are Current Members of Seven Non-profits and board members of five!
* Have Published and/or recorded works into the 100’s in books, mixed media, streaming platforms, and ezines.
* Have traveled all over the U.S. and beyond as featured presenters, hosts, artists, panelists!
* Shared the stage with several celebrities.
* Voting member of NAACP Image Awards
* Won several awards for acting, philanthropy, writing and community service.
* Have consulted on 8 films, 6 plays, and 100s of showcases
* Texas Storytelling Champions
* National Slam finalist
* International spokenword champions
* Twice nominated for poet laureate
* In partnership with several theaters and art galleries.
Mike Guinn’s brand is hard work, inclusivity and diversity.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you are in town and want to different artists day of the week then come and enjoy new poets, new singers new spaces, and network your worth with Mike Guinn Ent
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Saturday, Jan 20th CUP O’ VIBES It’s Old School Poets Vs New School Poets
A poetry slam for the “ages”
FREE ADMISSION 7-9pm SHARP
GET FREE TICKETS HERE
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
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THE BLACK FIST POETRY SLAM
On this night it’s all about the revolution inside you!
Tuesday Jan 30th The Dock Bookshop & Dock Community 6637 Meadowbrook Dr. Fort Worth Poets Sign up Here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
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OTHER MGE JANUARY EVENTS
Feb 8th Farr Best Theater Open Mic Featuring Sister Shalom, Craig Nagoshi, Diane Thomas and Music by DJ 730X of Fast Food Diaries Venue/Stage Coordinator Gwen Brown of She’s Empowering Her
Artists sign up here or at the door https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
972-704-5001 Please arrive early if you have music.
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Saturday, Jan 20th
Listen-Laugh Learn
Creative Writing With A Twist
2 pm-4pm
Free Admission
Upstairs At The Office Loft
150 E. 1st Street
Lancaster Tx
A unique youth/parent creative writing workshop. This is a great opportunity for those who live in Lancaster, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Wilmer Hutchins, Duncanville. FREE TICKETS HERE
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
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FRIDAY, Jan 26th
Black & Bitter Coffee and Books
America’s BIGGEST Free Monthly Outdoor Open Mic Night 8-10pm FREE Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/…/
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Jan 31st Floetry Poetry Vibes Live at the RED GOOSE SALOON
Featuring Mike Guinn
Hosted by Queeny Fillmore
7:30-9:30pm
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Saturday, Feb 10th 2024
The 16th Annual Original Love Jonz Spokenword & Music Experienz
Host: MIKE GUINN ENTERTAINMENT
Vibe Master: DJ 720X
Location: Frisco Performing Arts Center 9255 Preston Rd, Frisco Tx
Date: Saturday, February 10th
Time: 8pm -10pm
Doors Open 7:30pm
LIVE MUSIC, PASSIONATE POETRY! ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE. ART & MORE!
Featured artists
Poets: ExcIusive Writes Malysa
Royletta Woodard Wendi Hayward
Iman Parker Mani Mani
Food Catered by Robyn MzXquisite Sanders
Art: Sunee Rice from Oklahoma
This is one of two affordable options for Valentines for DFW.
Get discount tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Free Parking. Complimentary food & Drinks.
972-704-5001 for Details
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For more visit www.mikeguinnent.com
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out to Valerie Kelso of Purple Light Touch Foundation which is a 501c3 that assists young women and girls who’ve suffered from domestic violence or sexual assault. And to T.R.A.C. Youth Services in Dallas for their extraordinary contribution to providing aftercare services for our former foster youth and homeless in Dallas/Fort Worth.
Website: www.mikeguinneent.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/mike.guinn.ent/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-guinn-a9b2a911
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/jordanmichaelg.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.guinn.948
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanmichaelg
Other: TolTok: Mike Guinn Ent https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeguinnent?lang=en Published Author : Crying In Colors https://www.amazon.com/Crying-Colors-Poemography-Michael-Guinn/dp/0984325565/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=crying+in+colors+michael+guinn&qid=1606485326&sr=8-1 Other Notable Stage Works [c] Keeping The Dream Alive (Sacramento ‘03) Lisa Lacy I Wish I Had Waited (Dallas ‘05) Sylvia Lett Ritche Man (Dallas 09) Roses Are Read -Sammy Estrada , 2017 (Fort Worth) Born To Win By Kay Bell – Waco 2018 Father Comes Home From The War (African American Repetory Theater) Won Irma P Hall Black Theater Award 2020 Dallas Black Men Interrupted – Soul Repertory Theater – Dallas Film Credits Gordon Lee Short Film (1) Michael Green Short Film (3) Calvin J Walker -(3) The Lamb (New Short Film) Ali Kareem Writer/Director (2020) https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=J0snLBRenv0 Storytelling Bio https://thetylerloop.com/flying-lessons/ Mike’s Storytelling Clip https://soundcloud.com/thetylerloop/out-of-the-loop-season-2-mike-guinn Mike’s Demo Reel: https://youtu.be/Sbb4d-i8Pps Mike Guinn Forever Love Clip https://youtu.be/VF476Zw3D3U IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7015000/ Actors Access: resumes.actorsaccess.com/MikeGuinnActor Peter: The Series https://watch.amazon.com/detail?asin=B07WZHBHKL&territory=US&ref_=share_ios_season&r=web Actual clip from With Love Film https://youtu.be/Kd-c6UGUC5Q Battle Line Movie Clip https://youtu.be/yPI8KpCePDs Trailer for Battlelines https://youtu.be/kBwlpzhHbbE IMDB For Mike Guinn Actor https://pro.imdb.com/?ref_=nm_nv_hm Theater Experience Soul Rep Theater http://www.soulrep.org/theshineplayfestival African American RepertoryTheater https://www.aareptheater.net/performances
Image Credits
Rice Photography Mike Guinn Ent & PLT Massage
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
