M.I.R.A.
MIRA-the first initials of Abdul-Rahmaan Ibn Muhammad backwards. A true representation of one’s self. To look at (Spanish).
Inspired by poetry, spoken word and Hip Hop greats like Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez,The Last Poets, Gil Scott Heron, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Lauryn Hill; MIRA writes from the truth of what he sees in his community. He is emotionally attached to each poem he writes and uses spoken word as a window into his heart to express his love for his people. He calls his works SOAPBOX Poetry because he envisions himself on the corner standing on a soapbox spitting his message to anyone who will listen like the great community activist of the sixties. SOAPBOX Poetry is defined as clear, direct and intense poetry that seeks to tell the truth from the reality of the artist that speaks or writes it.
In the past few years, MIRA has performed all over the state of Connecticut at local elementary, middle schools and conducted spoken word workshops at Hall High School, Breakthrough Magnet School and Fox Middle School to name a few. He has also been the featured poet at the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Hartford and Ansonia, The Showcase, Hygenics Poetry, The Wrench, University of Connecticut School of Social Work, The Hartford Undercurrent and La Paloma Sabanera’s 2nd Anniversary Parties, Hope Out Loud 4 and 6, Tru Books, New London Arts Festival, New London High School Black History Program, Songs for Africa, Lyrical Voices, Poetz Realm, Enfield and Osborne Prisons. He has also performed in New York at the Nyorican Poets Café, the Urban Juke Joint, Mercy College and SUNY Purchase College. Along with his poetry performing partner, Mind Evolution, MIRA is the house poets at Hot Chocolate Soul and Organix Soul monthly artist showcases. They also hosted a weekly open mic called Spoken Palabra on Monday Nights at La Paloma Sabanera (www.lapalomasabanera.com).
MIRA (Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad) is the President and Founder
of My People Clinical Services www.mypeople-ct.com , a multidimensional human service agency located in Hartford, Connecticut. My People Clinical Services is the realization of a long term dream and desire to serve people in need of innovative, culturally competent and quality family stabilizing assistance. The driving philosophy of My People is derived from the agencies Mission Statement: “To enable My People to help Your People so that Our People will succeed”.
If you are interested in booking MIRA to perform spoken word or an motivational speech at your school, event or function, please email him at booking@miraspokenword.com or miraspokenword@aol.com . You can also check MIRA’s out on My Space page at www.myspace.com/miraspokenword860 .
If you want to hear more MIRA buy his CD and Book “Soapbox Poetry”. Get them both for $15. To place an order please email orders@miraspokenword.com |
