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.
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