Priceless Poetics with mOody bLaCk
James Navé here welcoming poet and spoken-word artist mOody bLaCK to the Twice 5 miles microphone. Aside from creating a terrific priceless poetics branded logo, mOody bLaCK, Mr. bLaCK offers us a kaleidoscope of artistic perspectives in this lively and humorous poetic conversation. That’s why mOody calls it priceless poetics.
Moody Black, Spoken-Word Artist, Poet, and Teacher
What do you think?
Does “Mr. bLaCK and Me” sound like a good title for a poem? In this priceless poetics interview with mOody bLaCK, he and I travel the poetic territories talking about family, the Southern Fried Poetry Slam, how to use poetry to deal with depression, and the joy of teaching poetry, especially to the shy students who seldom raise their hands. Join us, won’t you, on this journey through the land of priceless poetics with Mr. bLaCK and me.
Meet Poet Moody Black
mOody bLaCK is a TEDx performer, a National Award-Winning Poet and Host, a Smart Arts Teaching Artist, Motivational Speaker, Spoken-Word and Visual Artist, Actor/Voice Over Artist, Chess Instructor, Story Teller, and Comedian from Spartanburg, S.C. Now, residing in Greenville, S.C.mOody bLaCk is passionate about teaching poetry to the youth and adults, and speaking about purpose and challenging depression. Each time mOody is on the stage, he aims to uplift everyone in the audience with his priceless poetics.
Highlighted Achievements:
2020 Presenter for Summer Online Arts Integration and STEAM Conference
2019 Carrie and Skip Gordon Teaching Artist of the Year Award
2019 South Carolina Underground Music Awards Nominee for Best Male Model and Best Male EntrepreneurÂ
2017 TEDx Greenville Presenter
Other Achievements:
Performed at several elementary, junior and senior high schools, universities, and colleges
Competed in hundreds of poetry slams
Poetry Slam Master and Coach
Poem published in Still Home (Book of Spartanburg Poets)
Featured artist at dozens of festivals
Opened up for multi-platinum recording artists Trey Songz and Lyfe JenningsÂ
TEDx Greenville and TEDxFurman Performer
2011 Pecha Kucha Performer- Greenville SC
2014 & 2016- Champion of the 2nd and 4th Annual Slam Madness Poetry Slam Competition,
2012 and 2018 Grind Flu Magazine Spoken Word Artist of the year
2015 Annual National Poetry Awards- Best Open Mic Host Â
2015 Annual National Poetry Awards nominee for best Spoken-Word CD (Rebuilding Hope),
2016 GANSPA Awards for Best South Carolina Poet
2017 GANSPA Awards for Best Male Poet in the Nation
2017 ALL DEF Poet
2017 Certified Smart Arts Teacher Trainer through the Metropolitan Arts Council of Greenville, SC
2018 Brand Ambassador for Empire Limited Men’s Consignment and Genius is Common
About James Navé
I have performed for the public well over 10,000 times over my long career as a poet, teacher, and storyteller.
I co-founded The Artist’s Way Creativity Camp in partnership with Julia Cameron, author of the perennially bestselling guide to creativity, The Artist’s Way. I have taught writing, creativity, performance poetry, and public speaking worldwide, from Nouakchott, Mauritania, to Galway, Ireland, to Bangkok, Lima, and all across the US.
As co-founder of the landmark performance company Poetry Alive!, I memorized over 600 poems and have performed shows and workshops in the United States and International Schools throughout West Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe.
I hold an MFA in Poetry from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a BA in International Relations from UNCA. My latest book of poems, The 100 Days, will be published by 3: A Taos Press in late 2021. I am also the author of The Road and Looking at Light.
