Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalvin J.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had been through a lot in my life that I bottled up inside and never really expressed. In October of 2017, I released a book entitled #FrontRowSeat, which was a memoir of stories of my life told in poetry format. It was a Barnes and Noble Bestseller and a proud moment for me. In 2018 I started traveling to perform my poetry as either a featured poet or to compete in different competitions and have been enjoying every minute of it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been blessed to have been connected with people who have poured into me knowledge to help my process from my editor Laci Swann who edited the content of my book; or Black Canvas which is an open mic here in Dallas I was able to springboard my craft off of, and lastly, Masterpiece who is a internationally known poet who I can always bounce my pieces off of or gives critique. So, having people like that and others have made this road smoother than it could have been and I’m thankful.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
Performing poetry is what I do and take pride in. I don’t look at it as a hobby. I treat it like it’s much more than that. I feel people know me for my storytelling with my poems. I always want to do a piece that can relate to someone else and their experiences in life. I may do a romantic or erotic piece here or there, but the majority of my poems are serious in a message, and meant to be personal. That’s the thing that makes me the proudest is having people come up to me after a performance and say my poem told their story, or it is a poem they can relate to or one that really captured their mind.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
COWBOYS are what I like best, haha. I grew up a Cowboys fan, even with being from East St. Louis, IL. But I truly love the opportunity Dallas provides to be able to grow and to curate your own path. Also, the fact it doesn’t snow is a plus as well. The one thing I wish was better about Dallas is that Downtown could have an identity of nightlife. I just feel with any major city that should be pivotal in that city’s identity.
Contact Info:
- Email: kalvinjpoetry@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Kalvin__J
- Twitter: @Kalvin__J
Image Credit:
Chris D. Brown, @AmbitionBrown17, Jerry Jerry Media
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