Today's Feature: Neville "Phoenix" Adams

4/1/2013

National Poetry Month Celebration

Bio:

An alumnus of the University of the District of Columbia, Neville Adams, brings life lessons and global theory to his poetry, fiction writing, and essays. As an activist, educator, poet, mediator, and narrator, he is one who stands firm on his beliefs.

Specializing in literature, social commentary, and creative writing, he is a trailblazer who creates pathways that others may follow. As the Founder of the "Phoenix Medina Writer's Project Inc." non profit organization and the writing group "Lyrikal Storm," Neville has succeeded in giving teenagers and adults a voice in society and the wherewithal to tackle obstacles with intellectual prowess. His work has expanded to writing sub groups at Howard University, Maryland Eastern Shore, Prince George's, Montgomery, and Elizabeth City Community Colleges.

To add to his record of achievements, Neville Adams has been an instructor in Prince George's County Public Schools for more than a decade where he specializes in English and African American Literature, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, International Literature, and Student Leadership. He is a "Poet in Residence" in Prince George's County and has been recognized by official proclamation from the Mayor of Riverdale Park for “Excellence in Education and Community Transformation.” Neville has been elected Prince George's County Delegate of the Maryland State and National Educator's Associations for over a decade. His first book, "Lights in The City" is a snapshot into the lives of what he deems the dilemma of the "urban intellectual," a term he penned to define one who juxtaposes the brute survival of urban life with the intellectual challenges of the scholarly sect. Neville has recently published "Chasing Rainbows" which focuses on the social, political, and economic forays of the global spectrum.

The Interview:

Where do you draw your inspiration from to write poetry?
Every crevice of human existence lives within my mind and is summoned when the spirit of “balance” calls me to action. It was emblazoned on my grave since the day of my birth.

What advice do you have for someone that is threatened by poetry?
Read, Write, and Release. Poetry is therapy…live, love, then share.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I played the flute since I was 5 and classical music was my forte. Performed a solo in “The Nutcracker Suite,” by Tchaikovsky (spelled without Google) that fueled my obsession/ collection of Nutcrackers.

Where are you from/ Where do you live?
I am from “DC”…Washington, DC for tourists and “DC” for natives. I still live in Northeast DC.

Who is your favorite poet?
Claude McKay for his use of words as “power” in protest. He pushed for equality, but wasn’t inhibited by “protest-speak.” His appreciation for the beauty of language shows through his literature.

Connect with Neville "Phoenix" Adams

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neville.adams?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nevillemuse

92 Comments

Sanjo Jendayi link

4/1/2013 02:58:32 am

Awesome interview!!!

Yvonne Brown

4/1/2013 03:18:26 am

Thanks Sanjo!!! Can't wait for your feature!! Hugs!

Carlotta

4/1/2013 04:22:31 am

Such a prolific writer. Love his work. Great interview.

4/1/2013 04:29:36 am

Thanks Carlotta!! He is powerful!

Deanna Heiliger link

4/1/2013 04:26:30 am

Great poetry...neat interview! Thanks for sharing!

4/1/2013 04:30:20 am

Thanks Deanna!

Stephanie Surratt link

4/1/2013 04:45:18 am

Poetry is my FAVORITE! What an inspirational interview.

4/1/2013 08:25:11 am

Thanks Stephanie! I am glad it inspired you!

Dov Shapira link

4/1/2013 04:47:42 am

What a great video I loved every moment of it

4/1/2013 08:25:40 am

Thanks Dov! I am glad to hear!

Cassie

4/1/2013 04:54:45 am

He is great! I love his creativity! Great interview Yvonne thank you for sharing!

4/1/2013 08:26:58 am

Thanks Cassie! Phoenix is very talented and I can ensure you that you will enjoy the other poets to be featured this month as well! Much Love to you!

Jen @ Existential Evolution link

4/1/2013 05:00:58 am

Sounds like a really cool dude!

4/1/2013 08:27:45 am

Thanks Jen!!!

Tina Ashburn link

4/1/2013 05:18:50 am

GREAT video. Thanks!

Queenscgetsfit link

4/1/2013 05:22:01 am

His flow is awesome, words are deep. I really enjoyed listening!

4/1/2013 08:28:53 am

Thanks Queensgetfit! I am so glad you enjoyed it! Please come back and check out other National Poetry Month Features :)

Fred link

4/1/2013 06:25:23 am

I don't understand poetry, but I love it...

4/1/2013 08:30:57 am

Thanks for the post Fred!! Your heart feels it and that is what is important!

Loretta

4/1/2013 06:26:27 am

You are doing a great service! Phoenix must be so grateful!

4/1/2013 08:32:14 am

Thanks for the support Loretta!!

Deborah link

4/1/2013 06:26:41 am

Poetry is such a powerful form of communication. It's interesting to see how poets use it based on their environment and history. Very cool.

4/1/2013 08:33:05 am

Thanks Deborah! So true!

Connie A Lopez-Hood link

4/1/2013 07:06:36 am

Wow, he's incredible! Really enjoyed listening!

4/1/2013 08:33:45 am

And so are you!!!!!

Heather Petersen link

4/1/2013 07:54:20 am

Love the interview!

4/1/2013 08:34:25 am

Thanks Heather!

Maria Fontaine link

4/1/2013 08:53:47 am

Love the title of the book

4/1/2013 09:47:22 am

Thanks Maria!

Estefany Torres

4/1/2013 09:38:29 am

wow! you really touched me..is really touching what you said and so true.

4/1/2013 09:48:30 am

Thanks for your post Estefany! Phoenix is indeed moving with words and delivery.

cynthia

4/1/2013 10:25:27 am

mr. adams is my english teacher and i am so proud to be his student. his poems and his teaching are inspirational and they give you something to think about and make you challenge yourself.

4/1/2013 11:23:26 am

Thanks for your post Cynthia! You are lucky to have Mr. Adams as an English teacher! Take in all that you can...his teachings are rare...

Robin link

4/1/2013 11:55:46 am

I sure love artsy folks (I dont really have any artsy skills - I think that's why I admire them so much)... what a cool video!

4/1/2013 12:24:31 pm

Thanks Robin! I appreciate your post! :)

magdalena

4/1/2013 11:58:23 am

I envy people with artistic skills, this is really great. Thank you for sharing your inner you.

4/1/2013 12:25:19 pm

Thanks Magdalena! I appreciate your support!

Neville Adams link

4/1/2013 01:09:47 pm

Yvonne, thanks for the forum to express and share in a world in which conformity is rampant and the individual spirit is few. Thanks to all those who have graced this blog and shown the courage to live...much love to you-Phoenix

4/9/2013 03:37:41 pm

It is my pleasure! I have the utmost respect for your work, your mind, and your creativity---

Sasha Lynn link

4/1/2013 02:28:50 pm

Thank you! It seems so infrequently I am introduced to contemporary poets. <3

4/9/2013 03:38:25 pm

Thank you for your support Sasha!!

George

4/2/2013 08:00:51 am

Interesting man and teacher. I have Mr. Adams as my English teacher, and throughout my 11 years plus of schooling I have never met someone unique as him. I believe that he is one of the teachers that you don't find easily, however I'm lucky enough to have him.

4/9/2013 03:39:25 pm

Thanks for your support George! You're right--you will never meet another person like your teacher! Enjoy!

Maxwell

4/3/2013 04:08:14 am

Mr. Adams is a man I respect, a man of words and wisdom. I have him as my World Literature class teacher, a class I never thought would be so interactive and interesting. He is definitely a great teacher to have in my perspective as a student.

4/9/2013 03:40:34 pm

Thank you for your support and kind words Maxwell!!

Sagen

4/6/2013 03:56:26 am

Mr. Adams has a way with words as I have experienced first hand. I don't even know how to begin to explain what his loud and inspirational voice has taught me. I have found myself to write more; not for my teachers or anyone else, but for me. It is the tremendous actions that he takes that motivates many.

4/9/2013 03:41:46 pm

Thanks for sharing Sagen!! That is very kind of you! Writing for you is wonderful!

Abdulia

4/15/2013 12:07:33 pm

I agree with you sagen, Mr. Adams definatly has a way with words and a strong vocabulary.

Ganiu

4/6/2013 01:51:31 pm

I don't know much about Mr. Adams but I do respect the fact that he is a very outspoken man, that takes part in many tings. He himself has motivated my class to take part in our community and find our "balance" and speak out. He's honest and keeps it real that's what I like about him as a human being and a poet.

4/9/2013 03:42:34 pm

Thank you for your kind words Ganiu!

Meng

4/6/2013 02:48:10 pm

Mr.Adam is my inspiration. He is not the usual English teacher that I've ever had, but I am very glad to have him as my teacher. He is such an outspoken man, his words and voices are powerful, he taught me to think and look at things at a very different perspective.

4/9/2013 03:43:15 pm

Thank you for your kind words Meng!

Paola

4/6/2013 03:38:24 pm

Well, I should say I appreciate Mr. Adams to be featured on National Poetry Month. I realize that he is not only popular in our school, but in other places. Mr. Adams deserves to stand out and show everyone that what he does is special. I think Mr. Adams is good role model for students or poets and to let them understand that you should be yourself. He expresses himself freely and everyone should take that as well, to speak up for oneself. One shouldn't be afraid of expressing to the world who they are.

4/9/2013 03:44:20 pm

Thanks for your kind words Paola!! You are too sweet!

Jamilet

4/7/2013 01:34:10 am

All I can say is that he has good eyes not only can he see the truth. He can also identify natural talent one holds. Hes like a kid with a blazing fire inside of him that won't hold back. And sooner or later his words will inspire like it has done with myself.

4/9/2013 03:45:13 pm

Thanks for your kind words Jamilet!! Very sweet!

Stella

4/7/2013 06:54:47 am

Out in the streets they call it MURDERRRR! A line used ever so often and yet it's meaning has yet to diminish due to its repetition. So captivating and refreshing, to see my very own English instructor perform spoken word. From the twinkle in his eye to the fluctuation in his tone of voice it's all so beautiful. He makes poetry simply divine and appealing to the mind.

4/9/2013 03:45:58 pm

Beautifully said Stella! Thanks!

Michael

4/7/2013 08:48:33 am

Wow...I never knew Mr. Adams wrote two books. I also never knew that he was such a famous poetry figure in Riverdale.

4/9/2013 03:46:40 pm

Yes Michael!!! Your teacher is an awesome guy!!!

Jose

4/7/2013 10:31:52 am

I, along with many other of Mr. Adam's students, feel blessed to have the opportunity to have him as an educator. His personality is unique and relatable, something that has allowed me to enjoy his class without feeling overwhelmed. He truly is inspirational and is dedicated to his art, something that I respect greatly.

4/9/2013 03:47:43 pm

Thank you for your thoughtful post Jose! In turn, it is a blessing to have a student like you!

Kayla

4/7/2013 11:49:23 am

I really enjoyed reading about Mr. Adams, and watching the video of his spoken word poem. I along with many other of his students are happy to have him as a teacher. I didn't know that he had that much influence on the Riverdale community, as well as in other places, but it's good to know that he is an inspiration to more people than just his students.

4/9/2013 03:48:25 pm

Thank you for your thoughtful post Kayla!

Djellza

4/7/2013 03:27:59 pm

That poetic performance will continue to echo in my mind for a long time after I have heard it. Mr. Adams is the type of person to observe all that surrounds him and only speak with great reason; I've always respected that about him. He is a very talented poet and teacher and this blog does a wonderful job of capturing that. Thanks for sharing!

edwin

4/8/2013 12:47:13 am

I feel very grateful to have Mr. Adam as a teacher. He is inspirational. What I like about him as a teacher is that he speaks his mind out in many forms. And poetry is his specialty. Poetry, as I have noticed, is capable of changing lives.

Nadir S,

4/8/2013 06:20:03 am

I really like how mr.adam dilivered the poem , his words are very powerful and can touch others, and also his projection in his voice, last but not least im glad to have him as a teacher.

Kolleen

4/8/2013 08:16:03 am

The words spoken by Mr. Adams have true poetic power. They are words that can open the eyes of the blind and maybe even open the mouths of those who ignore what they see. His poetry has the power to inspire many, such as myself. As a young poet and student, I'm glad to see Mr. Adams featured during the National Poetry Month Celebration.

Nya

4/8/2013 08:36:09 am

I have listened to this poem at least three times and each time I walk away with something different. Its amazing how words can inspire, unlock and reveal so much that was originally never thought of. I will definitely be looking for Chasing Rainbows.

Mario

4/8/2013 08:45:52 am

That was the first time I saw Mr,Adam perform poetry and it was truly very good, I like the fact that Mr, Adams is very outspoken and isn't afraid to speak his mind. I think Mr. Adams truly earned his spot to be featured on the National Poetry Month Celebration. The word choosing of his work truly has the power to make an impact.

Deanee

4/10/2013 12:38:53 am

I think that was sooo amazing. I think its powerful for a teacher of such wisdom, and intellect to be recognized during National Poetry Month. Watching you recite your piece, I can understand that you have great power and strength with speaking on what you believe without it being so blunt. Using poetry to make a statement says alot about your character and I think they chose the right teacher to publish.

Vaskia

4/10/2013 10:48:40 am

I think its good to instill poetry into young minds to show us that there are many ways to express ourselves. Mr. Adams being a teacher and a poet has taught me to speak out while learning from his many words of wisdom and to make my own.

Hyon

4/11/2013 11:15:19 am

I feel that Mr. Adams is a wonderful person and teacher. He allows his students to express themselves creatively, and also pushes them to do more than expected. I'm really glad I have him as a teacher because it has given me the opportunity to improve in many ways.

Jessica

4/14/2013 03:54:39 am

Great work! Not only in the art of spoken word, but in impacting his students as well! I admire this type of work, it's leaving behind a legacy for many of us.

James Long

4/14/2013 07:38:06 am

i enjoyed this poem because of the fact that the vibe you brought when you recited your poem from chasing rainbows. Plus, it makes you realize what going on in today's society and gives you a better and more realistic view on whats going on.

Dennis L

4/14/2013 12:08:18 pm

That was a really nice video and I feel inspired to write my own poetry.

Ihu

4/14/2013 01:00:20 pm

This is really real. He's exposing the truth. I enjoyed the video!

Kareema

4/14/2013 10:08:59 pm

This is really inspirational. It gives the true meaning of what they call MURDER!

Paulina

4/14/2013 11:55:47 pm

thanks for taking the time out to share this with us

Romance

4/15/2013 12:14:22 am

This was great and deep. I liked the quote " The gate is open but the key is made of glass", brilliant!

Guyvin

4/15/2013 12:18:17 am

I really like this Video and the Interview it helped me find out more about Mr.Adams and where he came from. In the video I really liked how he described the problems of our society and how he incorporated historical content into the poem.

4/15/2013 11:54:30 am

This video was powerful and inspriring. The choice of words and the vibe which his flow gave was great. Poetry is a great thing to participate in and this video has inspired me to be more active with poetry.

Jasmine

4/19/2013 09:33:41 am

This is sow powerful... Inspirational... So revealing

Nkafu

4/21/2013 01:46:46 am

This video is very inspiring and I'm glad that you are able to express your views and share it with us.

Franklin

4/21/2013 10:24:05 am

I think that you are truly one of the most talented teachers at Parkdale. You are inspirational to the young individuals learning throughout life. I think your poetry is inspirational and I hope you continue because they are very brilliant.

Traje B.

4/24/2013 10:12:59 pm

I feel like you are one of the most influential people I know. You are very passion about your work. I feel like people look down on you because of where your from. But I feel like that is what gives you the power in your writing. GREAT INTERVIEW!!!

Jazmine A.

4/30/2013 01:28:26 pm

Mr. Adam's probably has to be my favorite poet. He has delivery, a strong message, and a way with words like no one else i've met. You wont view things the same after hearing his poetry

Ian H

5/2/2013 06:14:36 am

My. Adams is hands-down my favorite high school teacher. His expertise with words is just astonishing. He's shared his knowledge on many different things in history and on present-day events that I didn't even know. This is a man that I respect and honestly look up to. A fantastic poet and all around good person.

Maritza P

5/2/2013 09:24:01 am

Mr. Adams words are full of wisdom and knowledge. He puts lot of efforts into his poem that reflect into today society. He is a man with lots of words.

Rochelle Parry

5/2/2013 11:46:01 am

Mr. Adams is such an inspirational person and the way he can use his words is just so wonderful. I wish I could be more like him. I am so happy I got to have him as my English teacher

Thomas Velez

5/3/2013 12:37:28 am

Mr. Adams i knew you were a poet but this is the first time i heard you speak. You incorporated so much history inside your poem and i adore history. Even in your interview you said that DC was for the natives and washinton DC was for tourist. I know what you mean people only see the good they never see what goes on everyday around their

Yeni

5/5/2013 09:55:19 am

The work Mr.Adams does is great and inspires many people who wishes to make achievements in life just like he does. Mr.Adams is not only a great Poet but is an amazing person with lots of knowledge and a spectacular high school teacher!