Album Notes

Fearless.
I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. Growing up, my family did not have a lot. I learned early on, you can take what life has given you and stay in the place where life you has put you. Or, you can take what life has given you and create the place where you desire to be.

Resourceful.
After graduating from high school, I took several film classes at the School of Media Arts at Columbia College in Chicago. At that point, the thoughts and stories in my mind were searching for a way out.

Magnetic.
Ever searching to increase my network, I met the future director of breakout movie "One Week" (www.oneweekthemovie.com), the first theatrical release from Film Life (www.thefilmlife.com). The move was the winner of the Best U.S. Film Award and the Lincoln Filmmaker's Trophy at the 2000 Acapulco Black Film Festival, the Grand Jury Prize at the Urbanworld Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Chicago International Film Festival. With this chance meeting, I was afforded the opportunity to play the role of Deandre in the movie. I also served as a production assistant on the set. The experience was inspiring.

Creative.
The thoughts and stories in my mind found their first voice in 1990. Poetry evolved into stories that evolved into scripts. I completed my third script, called "Triangle", in 1999. "Triangle" became the first work I was able to put on film. I directed the film project. I held auditions locally and was able to secure a tight cast. On a very limited budget, I bargained with local businesses for location shoots. The best part of the experience - seeing the actors recite what I wrote. The worst part of the experience - running out of money before filming was complete. The project is currently on hold.

Unconventional.
I continued to write. But I needed another outlet for the creative energy that was exploding inside me. In 1996, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. In 1997, I decided to produce a local comedy show. The comedians were secured. Fliers were printed and distributed. Emails were sent and forwarded. The show was not the success I hoped it would be. However, it gave me a natural high that made me continue to pursue producing shows. After the comedy show, I decided to try something different. I put together a Poetry Showcase. The poets were secured. Fliers were printed and distributed. Emails were sent and forwarded. The show was a success. This eventually led to a standing poetry showcase at a local cafe for 2 years. In 2001, I had the honor of serving as co-director of the play "Love's Light in Flight", by Charles Michael Moore. In 2002, I served as the acting coach for the same play. These experiences were enriching.

Ingenious.
I am currently involved in several projects. I have just completed my fourth script, "Rainbow". On the local poetry scene, I have been the featured poet at many showcases. I have been called upon several times to host showcases. In October 2003, the monthly spoken word venue was reborn and continues through today.

Dynamic.
"Yes I Can" Job and Career Development Award from the Chicago Youth Center.
Certificate of Recognition for Poetry from the Office of Mayor Bill Purcell.
Harriette Bias Insignares Award for Achievement in Poetry and the Margaret Beach Award for Dedication to Poetry from the office of Thelma Harper, member of the Senate.

Innovative.
Creative expression through scripts and poetry is therapy for me. It helps me deal with life. It helps me express myself. It helps me show others what's inside of me. It's hard. It's rewarding. It's a struggle. It's a joy. It is who I am.