Merging the sharp criticism of critical race and gender theory with comedic know how, poetic lyricism and hip-hop rhyme schemes, Javon Johnson quickly became one of the most awarded, well known spoken word/slam poets. He began writing in 2001 and won back-to-back national titles in 2003 with team Los Angeles and 2004 and 2005 with team Hollywood. Placing 3rd in the nation, Javon became the only poet in slam history to make finals three years in a row.

He appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, BET’s Lyric Cafe, co-wrote narration for the documentary “Crossover” and was a featured performer in the 2011 LA Times Book Festival. The current Visions & Voices Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow at USC, Javon received his Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

********************************

This is a very powerful piece and speaks to many of the ills and fights blacks have to endure in this country and world. What did it make you feel, remember, fear?

Are you a father or mother to a young black male?