Author, spoken word artist and cultural critic Stephen Earley Jordan II will be performing as a special guest of Morgantown Poets from 7-9 p.m. TODAY (Friday, Oct. 9), at Monongalia Arts Center (MAC).
The MAC is at 107 High St., Morgantown. The performance is being presented as an extra feature in addition to Morgantown Poets regular series of events. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available.
Jordan will be headlining the event with an opening spoken word performance by Ted Webb of Morgantown Poets.
"I'm thrilled Stephen is sharing his engaging work with the north-central West Virginia community," said Webb, who organizes the Morgantown Poets events at the MAC with Tamara Woods, Charlotte Firestone, Casie Fox and others. "Stephen's a multitalented writer and a dynamic speaker. This will definitely be a very special, unique performance in Morgantown you won't want to miss."
Jordan grew up in Huntington, graduating from Ceredo-Kenova High School (1995) and Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi (1999). He currently lives in Bronx, N.Y.
Jordan recently released his debut CD, "Black Baby Tears." The album is an eclectic collection of spoken word poetry mixed with cutting-edge beats. Jordan’s lyrics challenge modern thought on race, class, gender issues and poetry itself. The CD, including free excerpts, is available at http://cdbaby.com/cd/sejordanii , Amazon.com and iTunes.
Following the black literary tradition of such gifted writers as legendary Langston Hughes and James Baldwin, and contemporary writers such as Essex Hemphill and Sapphire, Jordan wrote "Beyond Bougie" (2006). A collection of creative nonfiction, essays and poetry, "Beyond Bougie" has been used for book clubs and college multicultural/sociology courses.
Along with the book, Jordan created the "Are You Bougie?" presentation for a series of talks at colleges where he discussed being progressive in the black community. He is also the producer and host of a weekly online show, "The Bougie Black Show," which can be heard on iTunes.
In August 2007, Jordan released his sophomore collection of writing, "Cold, Black and Hungry."
Jordan is the founder of a nonprofit organization, OutStretch Literary Advancements, which is dedicated to advancing higher education and literacy rates among black males in foster group homes.
In addition to Jordan's Oct. 9 performance, Morgantown Poets will conduct its monthly community literary arts event at its regularly scheduled time, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the MAC. A notice with all information for the Oct. 15 event is forthcoming.
Morgantown Poets schedule for its fall/spring series of events is available at http://www.monartscenter.com.
Join Morgantown Poets’ mailing list at morgantownpoets@yahoo.com or join the group by entering "Morgantown Poets" in Facebook’s search.
Public parking is available near the MAC in the parking garage at the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut streets and at the city lot behind 142 High Street (enter off Spruce). The MAC is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments; please schedule ahead at least two days prior to the event by calling 304-906-7268, or write to info@monartscenter.com for more information.
Stephen Earley Jordan II on the Web: http://www.sejordan.net
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