The Beginning

In late 1991, after my mother succumbed to her drug addiction, my grandmother took charge of my upbringing, persuading my uncle and aunt to take custody of me in Bartlett, Tennessee, in 1992. My journey in the arts and humanities began early, marked by an “accidental” entry into acting and a deliberate passion for public speaking. At just 9 years old, I participated in a 4-H public speaking contest with a speech titled “Riding The City Bus,” earning 2nd place. This early experience revealed to me the power of storytelling.

Where I Am Now

Since June 2020, I have been residing in Memphis, working as a writer, author, poet, master spoken word artist, arts and humanities administrator/consultant, and entrepreneur. Over my career, I have performed in a diverse range of poetry, theatre, dance, and musical productions over 1,500 times across more than 15 cities, 7 states, and 2 countries. My background spans various industries, including food and beverage, construction mining and forestry equipment, high-end retail, hospitality, and non-profit arts, humanities, education, and financial literacy.

My Passions

While my hobbies vary, my passions remain steadfast. I am deeply committed to non-fiction storytelling through the arts and humanities and sports, particularly in the crafts of writing poetry, spoken word theatre, podcasting, documentaries, and narration. Teaching is a significant part of my life, not confined to traditional settings. I thrive in classrooms and beyond, preferring auditoriums and spaces where my voice can resonate and engage with others’ stories. I have taught poetry and theatre acting at The John Dustin Buckman Boys & Girls Club, New Ballet Ensemble & School, and recently received a teaching artist certification from The Orpheum Theatre Group in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2017, I created and hosted the first monologue slam at Hattiloo Theatre and currently host and direct The 901 Poetry Open Mic at the Hi-Tone Café on Monday nights and at the Locol on Main Street on Saturday nights in Memphis.

My Background & Future Work

My academic, volunteer, literary, and performance background explores dramatic and vivid themes related to life, love, trauma, adventure, and self-discovery as a working-class artist growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, and New York City. My present and future work draws from these past experiences with a focus on becoming a New York Times #1 Best Seller, podcaster, and arts and humanities philanthropist. Through these endeavors, I aim to grow as a human being and leverage my leadership skills to impact people, places, and things.