Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris James.
Chris, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began as an open mic in Little Rock, Arkansas back in 2010. I went on to participate in poetry slam with a group called Foreign Tongues. In 2014, with my poetry group Foreign Tongues we won 2nd place in the Southern Fried Poetry Slam which is one of the largest poetry competitions in the world. In 2013, I decided I no longer wanted to just write three-minute performances and wrote my first stage play, The Odds Against U.S. Following that stage play came the book version of the play and then Dear Black People stage play which is currently on tour. In 2014, I opened Arkansas’ premier poetry and art venue, The House of Art. I also lived here for two years before moving to Atlanta. I now split my time between Arkansas and Georgia. In Arkansas, I serve as a teaching artist visiting schools across the state integrating poetry, theatre and hip hop into the classroom. In Georgia, I spend majority of my time producing and directing stage plays at theatre such as Soul Village ATL, 3D Complex, Porter Sandford and the Windmill. Poetry saved my life and it is now the very thing I use to save and inspires others daily.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s not been a smooth road at for me on my journey. When I was only 16, I became a dad to this little black boy named Carryion James. He changed my life for the better because the road I was on would have destroyed me. That same year both of my brothers were sentenced to 25 and 40-year prison terms. Shortly after, depression came knocking but these circumstances have also been the fuel to my drive. I’ve wanted to quit so much but I’m often reminded that this journey is not my own. I’m doing for my brothers who lost their youth because of world we were thrown into with preparation or protection from the wolves. Being a full-time artist is a battle every day. It’s not always easy being a rainbow in a world full of black and white. But somebodies gotta be it. Many days the surface is ugly but as an artist, I’m always gifted with the responsibility of bringing beauty to it. So no, it’s not smooth but I wouldn’t trade it for another job.
Please tell us about The Chris James Journey.
The Chris James Journey is a community arts outreach. Through this platform I work in education, theatre and arts. In education, I work with K-12 integrating poetry, theatre, and hip hop into school curriculums to enhance academic experiences for students and staff. As a teaching artist, my focus is social-emotional learning. I specialize in getting youth to identify their emotions so they can effectively manage them.
In theatre, I have written and directed stage plays, The Odds Against US, Dear Black People, Confessions of A Sinner and A Love Like This. These productions take place in Memphis, New Orleans, Little Rock, and Atlanta. I am known for rocking the stage with inspirational spoken word poetry and also for being a TEDx speaker. Lastly, I am a coach. I coach aspiring artreprunuers to become full time paid artists. I am an author of the new children’s book, Joe Got Flow. This book is for 3rd through 5th grade. It teaches about figurative language and poetry.
As an artist, I am most proud of all the hundreds of students I’ve been able to introduce poetry too. I know I have impacted their lives in major ways. I think what sets me apart is that poetry and theatre is my life. I live for it. It is my passion, my sword in which I proudly use to conquer all barriers. I am intentional about being an agent of change.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t think luck has played much of role in my career but preparation and passion has meant everything. I’ve always shown my passion as an artist and I always stay ready for the win.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheChrisJamesJourney.com
- Email: PoetrySavesLivesLR@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ChrisJamesJourney
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechrisjamesjourney
Image Credit:
Drekkia Morning
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