Kevin Powell

GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books

Kevin Powell

GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books

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Biography

“I love people, all people. Few things give me the joy I get from helping others, as a servant, and from telling the stories of all kinds of people, especially people who have been ignored, hurt, or forgotten.” — Kevin on his life calling

Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America. He is a prolific writer and a GRAMMY-nominated poet; Kevin is a heavily sought-after public speaker who has lectured in all 50 states and on five continents. A native son of Jersey City, New Jersey, the human and civil rights activist has been engaged with nearly every democratic movement of the latter 20th and early 21st centuries, either as a servant-leader, a behind-the-scenes advocate, or in a leadership position with fellow writers, artists, and change agents. In 2008 and 2010, Kevin ran for the United States Congress in his adopted hometown of Brooklyn, New York.

Kevin was raised by a single mother in abject poverty. At the tender age of three, his mom introduced him to the importance of reading and that persistent encouragement propelled Kevin beyond his violent and impoverished surroundings. He enrolled at Rutgers University through the Educational Opportunity Fund, an initiative created during the Civil Rights Movement to benefit youth who otherwise lacked access to higher learning. At Rutgers, Kevin’s political education and activism blossomed. He reflects: “Just to be able to get to college, to be exposed to a new world, a new way, changed my life forever, and I am forever grateful.” It was at Rutgers that Kevin found his voice and his purpose, and since then Kevin’s writings, ranging from interviews, celebrity features, social commentary, poems, and blogs, have been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Amsterdam News, CNN, NPR, ESPN, Essence, Ebony, Rolling Stone, Esquire, HuffPost, Utne Reader, The Guardian, Politico, The Progressive, Complex, British GQ, and other outlets.

As an author, Kevin has written 16 books, including Grocery Shopping with My Mother, his third volume of poetry; The Education of Kevin Powell, his critically acclaimed autobiography, which is being adapted for the screen; and his most recent title, The Kevin Powell Reader, which collects over 30 years of Kevin’s literary output. Currently, he is working on a biography of the iconic rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, who he interviewed several times as a founding senior writer for Quincy Jones’ groundbreaking Vibe magazine.

As a truth-seeker, bridge-builder, hip-hop authority, and pop culture curator Kevin has been at the center of several watershed moments. He was a cast member on the very first season of MTV’s The Real World, which launched the reality TV genre. He produced, in partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Brooklyn Museum, the very first history of hip-hop exhibit in America. And he has worked with, or interviewed, or both, pioneering icons such as Chris Rock, Tommy Hilfiger, Stacey Abrams, Gloria Steinem, bell hooks, V (formerly Eve Ensler), Chadwick Boseman, Samuel L. Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Marlon Wayans, Common, and Kerry Washington.

In the worlds of film and theater, Kevin has directed, co-written, and co-produced his debut feature-length documentary, When We Free The World. It is a never-before-seen deep dive about healthy manhood versus toxic manhood, inclusive of Black males of all kinds—straight, gay, transgender, disabled, short-statured, formerly incarcerated, college-educated, while also representing five generations of Black men and boys. Kevin is also creating a stage play that will be based on Grocery Shopping with My Mother, his moving collection of poems that he transformed into a musical project. That music project was GRAMMY-nominated in 2024 for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.

And Kevin has long been focused on using his talents, resources, and network of friends and business partners to improve the lives of people everywhere. Through the years he established a highly successful annual clothing drive for youth who are un-housed in New York City; he spearheaded many national and international relief efforts including for survivors of Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti, and the storm that devastated Puerto Rico. Equally important, Kevin, a visionary thought leader, has played an invaluable role in the movement to re-define manhood away from sexism and violence; he maintains a selfless focus on mentoring people of all ages, and he is passionately committed to uplifting justice in multiple arenas, be it the fields of education, the #MeToo movement, immigrant rights, gun violence, intimate partner violence, marriage equality, mental health, voting rights, or quality healthcare for all.

A vegan, two-time New York City Marathon runner, bicyclist, skateboarder, student of yoga, avid hiker, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kevin is a proud and long-time resident of Brooklyn, New York, and happily married to Evangeline Lawson, photographer, filmmaker, writer, and his equal partner in every way.

Speaker Videos

Re-defining Manhood: A Message to Men, to Boys, to Us All

Weekend Edition Saturday With Scott Simon | NPR (December 10, 2022)

Michael B Jordan on Black Panther, race and power | British GQ

History is a People’s Memory

Hope and Resilience

See Fewer Videos

Speech Topics

When We Free the World: Making the Case for Love, Real Diversity & Inclusion, and A New Kind of Leadership

In a world where violence, fear, division, and hate are the norm, Kevin offers hope and a different way to view ourselves, to view each other. Inspired by his 14th and newest book of the same title, WHEN WE FREE THE WORLD is as an interactive townhall meeting where we confront what is in front of us, including our history and our times and ourselves, in a way that moves us forward, toward healing, toward action, for the good of us all.

READ Kevin’s New York Times excerpt “A Letter From Father to Child”: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/parenting/talk-to-kids-racism.html

What is a Man?: A Message to Men, to Boys, to Us All

In this brutally honest and provocative talk Kevin plainly offers his own life story to show how we can transform our given definitions of manhood. He breaks down healthy manhood versus toxic manhood, discusses the impact of women on his life, and he challenges homophobia, transphobia, and violence in all forms. Kevin also probes pop culture, hip-hop, sports, film, television, family structures, and even what we were taught and not taught in our educations about manhood, about humanity.

READ Kevin’s Ms. Magazine excerpt "Between Russell Simmons and The World and Oprah”: https://msmagazine.com/2020/06/26/between-russell-simmons-and-the-world-and-oprah/

Looking for Martin: Why Dr. King & His “Dream” Still Matter

As we celebrate the Dr. King annual national holiday, and given all happening in America with Black Lives Matter, #Metoo, and so much more, Kevin takes us back to Dr. King’s life and times, how he became the leader he was, what the Civil Rights Movement was truly about and who made it happen, and how the lessons of the past can be learned and re-learned in new ways in this 21st century.

READ Kevin’s CNN article on Dr. King: https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/15/living/martin-luther-king-dream-feat/index.html

Why Juneteenth Is For All People: An Intimate & Interactive Conversation with Kevin Powell

Civil and Human Rights Activist, Author of 16 books, Former 2-time candidate for Congress, Filmmaker and Tupac Shakur biographer Kevin will speak on the meaning and magic of Juneteenth, how and why it was started, why this celebration ultimately benefits all of America, and how it can help us to understand ourselves, and things like democracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion. And Kevin will lead your company/community in a conversation/question and answer period immediately following his remarks, then sign copies of his newest books.

History is a People’s Memory: Celebrating Ourselves, Celebrating Diversity

Inspired by a famous Malcolm X quote, this talk looks at American history through the lens of the Black experience and Black contributions to every part of our society, with Kevin looping in his own journey from un-woke to woke, from a very limited knowledge of our nation, of himself, to one that includes all people, all identities.

Kevin’s article on John Lewis in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/18/to-john-lewis-with-love-kevin-powell-civil-rights-leader

Know. Vote. Organize: The Leadership We are Waiting for is Us

Whether it is a presidential election year or not, Kevin discusses the importance of knowing history, current events, voting in every single election, voter education, and why all leadership is ultimately local, no matter who we are, no matter where we are. Drawing upon his 30 plus years as a leader, as an activist, Kevin also shares what he has learned about leadership, be it from his two runs for Congress, to his 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina relief work, to his efforts on the ground around the COVID pandemic as both an activist and journalist, to his years of work serving the homeless and poor, to how he now uses technology and social media to help others.

READ Kevin Powell’s Washington Post Magazine cover story on Stacey Abrams: https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2020/05/14/stacey-abrams-political-power/?arc404=true

Hope Wanted: Surviving & Healing During COVID

A very necessary and very honest talk about this global pandemic, about COVID, and how it has impacted our lives now, and likely forever. This is a healing session, emotionally, spiritually, as Kevin talks about people he has lost to this virus, why he decided to travel all of New York when it was the epicenter for COVID, and what we can learn about ourselves, and do differently as we move through these very uncertain times.

READ Kevin’s Utne Reader article about COVID and his beloved New York City: https://www.utne.com/community/new-yorkers-on-covid-19-zm0z2005zhoe

Testimonials

"Kevin was WONDERFUL! ...His personal story...combined with his reflections on why embracing diversity and equity and serving others with love, was well-received. At least half the room gave him a standing ovation, and leaders from everywhere (Alaska to Florida) were eager to engage and exchange with him following the event…Several of the NSBA board members stated that they enjoyed him and that more people need to hear him...As I said, I think his message about peace, diversity, tolerance, and providing kids with opportunities was right on the mark."

- National School Boards Association

"I felt like Kevin was just like us. He was so open and nonjudgmental. I was very moved. Kevin was an excellent speaker and inspiring. His ability to show the importance of voting and civic engagement was incredible. Kevin’s talk was one that I wish all of our students could have heard. I would strongly recommend him to other colleges and organizations."

- Dutchess Community College

"Last night was truly a smashing success. Our students’ schedules are busy with group projects and other things that often force them to leave events before they are over. Nearly every single student stayed at your talk until the very end—a testament to the power of what you said and how you said it. Thank you for paying such close attention to the students’ words, poems, questions, even their names. Thank you for reading my and Amir’s notes so carefully. Thanks for wowing our president, our faculty/staff/and student body. Thank you!"

- Babson College

"He was EXCELLENT-- we really enjoyed him. About 150 folks showed to see him-- he was engaging, focused, informative and wonderful with my kids-- even stayed late to take additional questions from individuals who wanted one-on-one time."

- Pillips Academy

"I just wanted to send you a note to tell you that Kevin Powell was a phenomenal speaker! He was powerful and motivating. I believe that students, faculty and staff will be talking about him for years to come. In several programs this week he has been quoted, from vice presidents to first year students. Thank you!"

- University of Toledo

"I am truly impressed with him and his transformation over the years. His humble spirit and true sense of both self and purpose are inspiring, and I thank him for taking the time to share just a little part of him and his heart with Capital One."

- Capital One

"I wanted to just let you know how much we all appreciated Kevin’s speech at our Unity through Diversity Conference last week. His speech was enlightening, inspiring, and contemporary. The mere fact that you could hear a pin drop during his speech in a room filled with 600 teenagers is a testament to his ability to captivate a young audience. Thanks for contributing to a wonderful day that will hopefully stay in the minds and hearts of all those in attendance."

- Anti-Defamation League

"I want to thank Mr. Powell so much for his presence among us on yesterday, and for the powerful presentation that he delivered to our students. Our students (and I refer specifically to students of color) needed to hear every word that he said, and those words couldn't have come from a more compelling and credible person. I greatly admire and respect him and the work he does. I hope that I can convince him to do a residency here sometime. Our young men need him. We need him. Mr. Powell was a gift to us. I've given my life's blood to these students who often live in a state of perpetual culture shock. I'm here because they are here, but sometimes it takes a man to speak to men, and a person who is much closer in age to them. They heard him last night. Bless Mr. Powell and the work he does."

- Saint Lawrence University

"The program was great. We were very happy with the way he engaged the students in the afternoon program. I was also pleased with the turnout for our evening program. There was a wide range of ages and ethnicities and some very good questions. Our assistant director, Joann Mondowney, said that he did exactly what we wanted, bringing the theme of the month together and adding a scholarly aspect to it."

- Flint Public Library

"Outstanding!! He was awesome!! Great reviews from the students. The crowd was very diverse and comments were the same from all that heard him. The book signing was good as well—numerous students attended and bought books."

- University of Texas

"I am very pleased with the way everything went last night and want to thank you Kevin Powell for a stimulating evening. Our students were very engaged and energized by his speech. He was very gracious to meet personally with our students and to treat them with such respect."

- Pace University

"THANK YOU so much for being our keynote speaker as I know it was such a last minute request at a very busy time for you. Your words were powerful, inspiring, and gave the audience hope for the future at a time when folks have needed it the most. Your humble spirit and ability to speak about concrete and holistic steps for the future were truly wonderful. Thanks for doing good in the world!"

- Case Western Reserve University

"We couldn't thank you enough for speaking Saturday! You have done us an incredible service, especially on such short notice. On behalf of our executive board, we will forever be grateful. Students are still talking about your speech and how excited they are to begin reading your autobiography. We really appreciated having you, and hope that we can do something again in the future!"

- Case Western Reserve University