Sol-Legacy Magazine

January 2025

Red Lion: The Power of Words to Inspire, Heal, and Transform


In this captivating interview, we dive into the inspiring journey of Charles Ray Patton II aka Red Lion, a passionate wordsmith whose artistry and activism have touched countless lives. From discovering poetry as a unique means of self-expression to becoming a celebrated spoken word artist, Red Lion's story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose.


Explore how an English teacher’s encouragement and the support of a vibrant poetry community ignited his passion for writing. Learn how Red Lion has used his words as a beacon of hope, addressing social issues like human trafficking, prison reform, and racial equity, while also inspiring personal transformation and empowerment.


Discover the profound impact of his performances, from moving audiences to tears to collaborating with renowned organizations like Landmark Ventures, Rescue America, and Prison Fellowship. His journey showcases the power of poetry to create meaningful connections, amplify unheard voices, and spark social change.


Join us as we delve into Red Lion's reflections on faith, authenticity, and the challenges of building a career in the arts. This is a story of passion, perseverance, and the boundless potential of words to inspire and uplift.


Red Lion

How did you begin your journey as a poet? 

I’ve always been surrounded by friends and peers who were artistically inclined—singers, dancers, painters, photographers, actors—people who excelled in their crafts at a high level. I never felt like I was the best at any of these art forms, and at times, that created a disconnect between me and those around me.


I wasn’t really aware of poetry until I heard someone perform it for the first time, and even then, it didn’t immediately draw me in. What initially caught my interest was writing in general. My English teacher, Mrs. Culpepper, believed in me as a writer, and her encouragement planted the seed for what would later blossom into a love for poetry.


Interestingly, none of my friends were poets, so finding my way to spoken word felt unexpected and different. But it turned out to be the perfect fit for me, and in the end, I excelled at it.



Can you share some of the key themes or subjects that frequently inspire your poetry?


I can’t pinpoint one specific theme or subject that defines my writing. However, what consistently drives me to put pen to paper is observing the progression of the world and recognizing the ever-present need for hope.


Hope serves as the anchor in my work. Regardless of the topic I choose to explore, I’ve come to realize that hope is something everyone needs, no matter who they are or what they do. It’s a universal thread that connects us all, and it’s what keeps me inspired to write.


Many poets have unique rituals or routines when they write. Could you describe your creative process and any specific habits that aid your writing?

My writing process isn’t overly complicated. I simply pray for guidance and ask God for four things:


  1. That what I’m writing aligns with His will and that the words I create are truly His.
  2. That my performance reflects Him and His message.
  3. That my work reaches and impacts those who need it most, offering hope wherever it’s needed.
  4. And finally, that it results in a truly powerful and meaningful piece of poetry.

How has your poetry evolved over time, and what role does it play in your life today?


I believe my aim for poetry has remained consistent since the beginning, but the quality of my writing and performances has evolved significantly over the years. This growth has opened doors to other creative avenues, including music, acting, and public speaking.


Now, poetry is becoming my primary source of income, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity to turn my passion into a fulfilling career.



Do you have any memorable or particularly meaningful experiences related to your poetry?


One of the most profound experiences I’ve had with poetry was the moment I realized it could genuinely change other people’s lives. Early in my journey, I performed a poem at a church service. After I stepped off the stage, an older woman approached me in tears and simply said, “Thank you, I needed to hear that.”


To most, her words might have seemed small, but to me, they meant everything. In that moment, I understood that my words had the power to matter—to touch hearts and make a difference. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.


Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced during your journey and how you’ve overcome them?

I’ve faced a laundry list of challenges along the way, fear, depression, imposter syndrome, and more. But the one I’ve struggled with the most is uncertainty. I often found myself wondering if this poetry journey would truly work out the way I envisioned.


So many people share the same dream I have, and the reality is, not everyone achieves everything they set out to do. The biggest question I kept asking myself was, Can I actually do this at the level I aspire to? And perhaps more importantly, What will it truly cost me?


That uncertainty was a constant battle, but it also fueled my drive to push forward.


Poetry can be a powerful form of social commentary. Have you ever used your poetry to address specific social or political issues? If so, could you share your thoughts on the intersection of poetry and activism.


Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a fan of politics. However, I do understand the necessity of certain systems in our world. I believe in building bridges rather than walls, as too often our idea of effective change involves shunning others or separating ourselves from those with different perspectives or life experiences. Everyone’s unique circumstances shape who they are and understanding that is key to fostering meaningful connections.


As a poet, I’ve explored a wide range of important topics, including immigration reform, sex trafficking, autism, voting, governmental issues, Black Lives Matter, domestic violence, prison reform, and many others. These subjects reflect my commitment to using poetry as a tool for dialogue, awareness, and change.


Activism often requires collaboration and networking. Can you share some of the partnerships and collaborations you’ve built in your work, and how they have contributed to your success?


One of the most significant collaborations I’ve had to date was with a company called Landmark Ventures. They host the Social Innovation Summit, an event that brings together philanthropy-based companies from around the world to foster meaningful connections with businesses, nonprofits, activists, independent artists, and more—all with a focus on equity, inclusion, and diversity.


I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with nonprofits such as Twelve 11 and Rescue America (formerly known as Rescue Houston), both of which specialize in rescuing and supporting victims of human trafficking. Additionally, I’ve worked with Prison Fellowship, an organization dedicated to true prison reform and helping incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.


These partnerships have not only helped me grow as an artist but also expanded my understanding of the world. They’ve given me invaluable experiences, allowing me to see life from multiple dimensions and perspectives. In poetry, experiences amplify one’s writing, and what these collaborations have given me is absolutely priceless.


What role do you believe technology and social media play in modern activism, and how do you leverage these tools to your advantage?


That’s a loaded question. On one hand, technology and social media have been invaluable in giving a voice to communities that might otherwise go unheard. We’ve seen their impact in historical events like the Black Lives Matter movement, the conflict between Palestine and Israel, and many other instances where these platforms have amplified crucial conversations.


However, on the other hand, these tools have also significantly contributed to the spread of misinformation. At the end of the day, technology and social media are just tools, and their effectiveness depends on the humans using them—and no human is perfect.


As for my approach, I see it as an opportunity to bring a more balanced and thoughtful perspective. When it comes to activism, I strive to approach every issue with openness and honesty. I avoid jumping on trends as many content creators do because I find it disingenuous to comment on every piece of bad news without proper context or understanding. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, you risk becoming part of the misinformation problem.


It’s about being informed, intentional, and mindful of the responsibility that comes with using these powerful tools.


Can you share a success story or a specific moment in your activism that you feel had a significant positive impact on your community?


One of the most impactful moments in my journey was when I had the opportunity to perform for a group of human trafficking survivors who had recently transitioned out of their circumstances. What made this moment particularly profound was how it unfolded. I arrived at the venue early to help set up and ended up having casual conversations with a few of the women. I had no idea they were survivors until the event began, and I saw them sitting in the front row with the other women who were also transitioning out.


That experience left a permanent mark on me. It opened my eyes to how easy it is to interact with people, engage in normal conversations, and yet have no idea what they’ve been through. It reminded me of the strength and resilience that often goes unnoticed and reinforced my commitment to using my words to inspire, uplift, and bring awareness to such critical issues.



Do you have any mentors, professors, or individuals who have had a significant impact on your personal growth?


Many people have profoundly impacted my journey as a writer. The first name that comes to mind is my freshman English teacher, Charlene Culpepper. She was the first person to read my writing and call it great, which gave me the confidence to pursue this path.


Another significant influence was Pastor Daniel Zarate, who used to do prison ministry and host free hip-hop events for youth in the community. He was the first person to give me an opportunity to hold a mic and step onto a stage.


I’m also grateful to three incredible poets—Ernest L. Beason, Choice The Poet, and Lyric—who were present at my very first open mic. They took me under their wings and introduced me to some of the best parts of Houston’s poetry community.


There are countless others who’ve played a role in shaping my journey, and I could go on all day acknowledging their contributions. Each experience and interaction has helped me grow, and I’m deeply thankful for every single one of them.


Reflecting on your academic and extracurricular activities, is there a particular accomplishment or project that you’re especially proud of?


I would say my first two single releases, “Audacious” and “The Art of Falling,” stand out as significant milestones in my career. “Audacious” was my debut single, produced by my good friend TRE COSMOS, and it has since become a staple piece for me and a crowd favorite.


“The Art of Falling” was actually unplanned. I shared a snippet of it on social media, and to my surprise, it went viral. The overwhelming response and numerous requests for the full piece prompted me to release it as a single. Both tracks hold a special place in my journey and represent pivotal moments in my growth as an artist.


What advice would you offer to aspiring poets who are looking to find their own voice and style in the world of poetry?


The best advice I could ever give is to always be honest—not just in your writing, but with yourself, your life, and the way you move through the world. No matter how talented you are as a poet, it means nothing if you aren’t a good person.


It’s important to study other poets, but it’s even more valuable to study yourself. Discover what makes you unique and what you’re truly passionate about. Never write about things you don’t understand, it only shows ignorance. Just because everyone else is writing about a particular topic doesn’t mean you have to follow suit.


Don’t be afraid to take breaks from writing. Being present in life and experiencing the world is essential for your growth as a writer. Support your community—it’s worth investing in. Make sure you’re praying and taking care of your heart, because your inner well-being is the foundation for everything you create.


Are there any upcoming projects or events you’d like to share?


I’m constantly performing at shows and events. To stay updated on what I have coming up, be sure to follow me on all platforms at @redlionpoetry.

SOLCEO Birthday at MOCA
SOLCEO Birthday at MOCA

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