Provocative, melodic, and deeply influential—that is the essence of American poet, Hank Stewart.
His deft lyrics lure you into a world of soulful contemplation and retrospective philosophy. A self-described emissary for positive change and abiding hope, Stewart considers love, spirituality, and history as his dominate influences. His personal epiphanies of the sublime and the beautiful in life, reveal a deeply intuitive insight from a man with prolific gifts and talents. As a result, Stewart has become recognized as one of the great contemporaries of our time, who has richly contributed to the tradition of the spoken word.
Seeking a bigger stage for his dreams and ambitions, Stewart’s journey to celebrated poet, began when he relocated to Atlanta from Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 19. Ironically, it was not until his move, that he uncovered a passion for poetry. Prompted by feelings arising from a life lesson, Stewart decided to write about it. “Poetry has helped me to deal with many issues,” says this master of words, who released his first book entitled, “The Answer” in 1993. A devoted Christian, Stewart believes that a firm spiritual foundation has helped him remain true to his life purpose. He describes his spoken word as “conscious poetry,” with a mission to encourage, inspire and motivate.”
In November, Stewart was named Poet Laureate of DeKalb County, Georgia, in a celebration officiated by Congressman Hank Johnson and DeKalb ICEO Lee May. Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond were among the community leaders and friends who paid tribute to the honoree. Stewart, who has authored seven books, released his highly anticipated new work,“25 Years and Still Counting,” during the event. The new book highlights some of his favorite poems, the lives he has touched, and an overview of his awards and special moments during this quarter century of his life.
Highly sought after, some of Stewart’s appearances include command performances for First Lady Michelle Obama, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Rev. Hosea Williams, and civil rights leader Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, just to name a few. Singer-actress Jill Scott, stated in a news release regarding Stewart’s recent honor “Hank Stewart’s poems get all up in your bones.” Stewart’s many other credits include the Trumpet Awards and Essence Music Festival. Additionally, his screen credits include a commercial for McDonald’s called “365 BLACK,” and African American poetic rendition commercials for WAGA TV in Atlanta, which earned him an Emmy, Promax and Gabby awards.
An advocate of “paying it forward” Stewart’s several community projects include; founder of “Walk Against the Call,” a breast cancer awareness initiative that has raised more than $100,000; founder of the Annual White Linen Affair, Hot Chocolate, Love Jones Sundays and Five Men on a Stool events. He sits on the Board of Directors of the new American Voters League, which was founded by the late Maynard Jackson, former mayor of Atlanta. Stewart’s own non-profit, The Hank Stewart Foundation, co-founded with Gwendolyn Mason, is a youth leadership development foundation focused on strengthening the whole mind, body and soul of children. The foundation has impacted more than 10,000 youths over the course of its existence.
The stellar qualities of Hank Stewart’s life and achievements can best be summed up in a single phrase—He is, poetry in motion.
Two fours together make the number 44.
Now in the NFL if your team has the number 44, it’s awesome, but in the NBA that’s not a good score.
There are some great athletes who wore the number 44, and they changed the game. Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Jerry West. So did George Gervin and Serena Williams; oh the “G.O.A.T.,” that sister is so bad she doesn’t even need a number under her name.
In life when you turn 44, it’s like, you don’t really know how and what you should feel. But you began to appreciate life at 44 because you know life is precious, life is real.
But 44 is more than just a number for us, it is historical. We will remember that number for the rest of our lives. Let me tell you why, 44 means more to us than let’s say 27 or 45.
44 gave us hope and audacity, 44 gave us class. 44 represented us with dignity, that was birthed by the past.
44 showed us, how to be cool, calm and collected, but 44 also showed us that we could shed a few tears.
44 know how to pray and raise a hymn. And, although 44 was filibuster over 500 times, 44 did a whole lot in 8 years.
44 was strong, yet 44 was gentle, 44 was secure, and 44 was always parental.
44 was smart and eloquent and liked around the world, but being 44 never compromised 44, to a being father to 44’s girls.
44’s voice, was passionate and empathetic. And, other than 42, which some people thought was black; 44 was more articulate, athletic and sympathetic.
44 could shoot, putt and dance, 44 even tried to sing, and it’s safe to say, 44 even had that swag thing.
44 could talk to the world leaders, and yet, let a child play in 44’s hair. 44 could attend the Bulls games, while working on healthcare.
44 helped us to stay in our homes, and save the big three’s. Those street of walls, what 44 did with our retirement, now that was the key.
And did you hear that 44 commuted more non-violent offenders than 24-43 combined. What 44 did for this nation—this world, 44 deserves to sit back and recline.
44 has a brand that can’t ever be duplicated or reproduced, I think what I love most about 44 is there was never any excuses. 44 took care of business, and did it without any fanfare or any noise.
And when so much was riding on 44’s decisions, do you remember 44’s poise. And “It” was beside 44 the entire time, it had 44’s backside and front whenever anyone else got out of line.
And without even trying 44 helped us to see others for who they really are. People we go to lunch with, our kids play together, we even ride in each others cars.
But they disliked 44 simply because of the color of 44’s skin. They gave hell to 44 for 2 terms—breaking never considered it, 44 didn’t even bend, History will be good to 44.
Taking out Bin Laden, not to mention ending two wars.
44 will leave the White House, with no scandal or investigations, with no drama
We are going to miss you, President Obama—44
