Danny Queen

National Poetry Month Celebration 2015

Credit: Jennifer McIntosh www.theartofjennifermcintosh.com

Bio: Danny Queen is affectionately known as “A People’s Poet” as he was awarded the citizen’s Purple Heart award in 2013.  He has authored seen books, with his most recent, Color Me Poetry.  A prolific writer and Master Spoken-word Poet, Danny’s work has been featured in numerous magazines, local newspapers, national calendars, and other publications.  His poem “Because I’m Special” was published in “ A Setback is a Setup for a Comeback” by nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, Willie Jolley.

Over the years, Danny has spoken in various states for many audiences, such as the Library of Congress, W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Task Force on African American Men and Boys (Fisk University), the National Association of Equal Opportunity and Higher Education, the U.S. State Department, WKYS, iam4radio.com, and WOL AM Radio stations, and WBAL Television.  For over 10 years, Danny has produced and hosted the popular cable television show, Color Me Poetry for Bowie State University’s television station.  This show was broadcasted to an estimated 300,000 viewers weekly.  Danny interviewed and introduced the community to notable guests such as authors J. California Cooper, Marita Golden, Eloise Greenfield, Sharon Bell Mathis, Nathan McCall, Dr. Samuel Yette, and Omar Tyree. 

Danny is currently working on a new book: Life in Full Circle Astrology – A collection of poems based on astrology love matches/mismatches and is expected to be released in 2016.  To learn more about Danny Queen please visit his website at www.queenspalaceinc.com. 

The Interview

1. Where do draw your Inspration  from to write poetry ? 
Wow!! Now that's not something I have ever thought about because I am the kind of poet that can be inspired by almost anything. Something I see, read, hear, something I hear somebody say, newspapers, blogs, etc. In my work, I always try to use inspiration, education, motivation and at times humor to touch the human heart. I like to play on words a lot in my work. One small simple word can sometimes change the whole meaning of a poem. When I am obsessed to my soul with a poem, it is as if I am pregnant with possibilities. The poems have a mind of their own and I am the creative vessel.

2. What advice do you have for someone threatened by poetry ? 
The first piece of advice I would give young poets is to read, read, read and read some more for that is where great ideas are formed. Read any and everything. Learn to listen to your own inner-most voice. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Keep an open mind. Once you learn to master the rules of grammar only then can you break them.

3. What is an interesting fact about you? 
I’ve been writing poetry since I was 7. My first poem was published when I was 10.

4. Where are you from/ Where do you live? 
I now live in Hyattsville, MD. I was born and raised in Bowie, Maryland.

A Poet in Action at James Brown's Funeral

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