Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Crawford.
Anthony, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story starts in the mean grounds of Los Angeles, California, where I was born. I grew up impoverished in a gang-infested environment. I was raised by two loving parents who worked hard to feed, clothe, and shelter my siblings and I. Growing up, I have always had a love for writing, performing, and speaking.
After graduating high school, I started Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma in the fall of 2007. While at Langston University, I received the first-ever Rookie of the Year Award, served as the 2007-2008 Mr. Debonair for the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. by the way of the Beta Epsilon Chapter, served as the Langston University Student Government Association’s Activities Coordinator, served as the Langston University Student Government Association’s Vice President, served as the Langston University Student Government Association’s President, received the Dr. Ernest L. Holloway’s Student Leader Award, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a minor in English.
After graduating, it was hard finding a job. I worked as an overnight stocker at Wal-Mart until I started subbing for the Oklahoma Public Schools District. Then I was working part-time at Wal-Mart. Still, I searched for a job that would provide consistent income and something I love doing. Throughout that search, I developed a love for teaching youth step routines and teaching them life skills. Literally, three weeks after being denied for Teach for America, a great friend of mine informed me that she referenced me to a job that I may enjoy. That job called me, I had an interview, got the job, and, in less than a year, I had over six-step teams within Oklahoma Public Schools District. I was making a difference!
Between 2014 and 2015, my life took a turning point and a lot of changes took place within me. I lost my mind. However, a wise woman once informed me that you must lose your mind or get out of your mind in order to find yourself. I found myself.
I started back writing again, I was writing poetry and posting them on social media with pictures for people to read. I wrote a book called “Black Paint” and published it a year later. I started back performing. During the summer of 2016, Marc Flemon encouraged me to perform during an open mic night and I haven’t stopped since. Flemons also brought me on to host Dope Poetry Night every Wednesday with J. Wiggins of Concepts Productions.
I started speaking more. Many organizations, schools, churches, and programs started hiring me to come and speak love and truth to their youth, students, workers, and/or participants. The Crowley Foundation brings me to Colorado every year to speak life, love, and truth into their young men in their programs. I teach an after school writing workshop for Poetry and Chill with Gregory II.
I am the 9th Grade English Teacher at Millwood High School. While I Millwood, I sponsor the Student Council and the Millwood’s Poets Society. I also teach Creative writing.
I am a music artist. I have an album out on all music and social platforms called R.A.P. (Rhythm And Poetry). I ghostwrite and I write music videos. I am a screenwriter and a film director. I am a part of a record label called Young Living Legends. I am the owner and CEO of 5Head Productions and Hood Conscious Films. I am also one of the coordinators for the Oklahoma Black Film Festival. I do too much.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After graduating college, I struggled through post-grad-depression. I struggled with finding a job. I struggled with working for someone else. I still had the Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome within me, so I suffered through jealousy, envy, hate, and covetness against my own people. I struggle in relationships. I never knew what it meant to be a good friend.
Tell us more about your work.
It’s #KingdomTime is a movement. It’s a movement that believes that self-love is the key to your salvation. This movement teaches love, peace, unity, happiness, truth, and understanding through literacy, workshops, interviews, panel discussions, events, music, performances, speaking engagements, classes, and sessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: oklahomablackfilmfestival.org
- Email: alcrawfordjr2@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/anthony_crawfordjr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.jr.5
- Twitter: twitter.com/a_crawfordjr
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