Meet Preach The Poet | Poet/Teaching Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Preach The Poet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Preach, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
It’s one organism. I’m blessed at the moment to be able utilize my ability to teach poetry in some form or fashion in my work. I love being able to wake up every day and know I’m going to be spending some time with the youth and communicating. In my mind, in solving the problems of our world, healthy communication is key in our betterment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To this point it’s all been a free fall. I’ve had to learn as I go. At first it was hard trying to find a place of peace in my journey because I had specific intentions with the way I wanted to direct my art and utilize it. At the beginning of my sort of performing genesis my poetry was strictly for organizing and speaking to large groups. It was a comfortable space for me to communicate. I fell in love with the language as time went on. I wanted to make a career of it. Through organic connections and.me focusing on my own path I’ve got a chance to work with a ton of amazing artist in this city. As far as my style go, theirs a lot of nostalgic update. You hear my Chicago base over Mississippi roots. You leave one of my pieces as if you just spoke with your uncle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the vibe of the Freeman and Three links. I see so much of the local talent and I can see the rich culture in Dallas food wise Caesars Tacos off Davis are a straight hit. I know it’s kind of a hole in the wall but I’ve never left that place still hungry and not happy. Entertainment I like Wild detectives. It’s kind of a literary hub. I see writers in a natural space. It’s inspiring. I’ll make sure to hit Deep Vellum bookstore which is my heart but The Poets Bookshop is also growing on me. They always keep a helping dose of Baldwin.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say Fred Hampton. Their is a consistent form of revolutionary rhetoric that directly connects to his involvement in my city and my community specifically. With revolutionary rhetoric encompassing: Historical facts, positions based of the far left ideology of the Panthers, and a healthy dialogue with the people to a certain sense. I would have to say from a young age I remember my late grandfather taking me to the Dusable Museum and listening to family of Mark Clark recanting tales and moments from the Panthers in the city of Chicago.

Instagram: @PreachthePoet

Twitter: @preachthepoet

Youtube: Preach The Poet

Other: Booking email: Bookpreach708@gmail.com

Image Credits
Trangvu Photography