Conversations with Kingdawud Burgess

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kingdawud Burgess.

Hi Kingdawud, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I recently spent 13 years in a federal prison coming home to being homeless in a city I knew nothing about. While incarcerated, I had written 50 novels of which five had published by way of saving my money for ten months which I converted into a store. I used the money made from my store to publish the five novels. I was immediately released from prison after serving 13 of a sixteen years eight months sentence to California, a place I had never set foot in. I enrolled in Santa Monica College and began working to help those re-entering society as a Community Health Worker. I began speaking out against those who ran a broken justice system which got me noticed by World class artist Awol Erizku. He featured me in his art exhibit with The public art fund which allowed me to be featured on billboards all over Chicago and New York… I have spoken for the Cooper Union, The Hilton foundation as well as NPR. My work with the homeless got me recognized by the Hilton Foundation. I have since been paid to speak for several organizations. Next Fall, I will graduate from Santa Monica College with three degrees.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I had to sleep on trains and in empty rooms in school just to save up money to get ahead. Imagine trying to re-enter a society of which has changed in every way.

Plus, being a convicted felon added to a harder time clearing a path to be successful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a poet, a professional speaker and published author. I’m featured on billboards all over Chicago and New York. I have been paid to speak for The Hilton foundation and recorded by NPR in a StoryCorps archive.

What does success mean to you?
Reaching the top of your craft. Defining all odds. Making something out of nothing.

Pricing:

• $300 for Cooperunion
• $100 for speaking for The Hilton foundation
• The devils Angel priced at $25.00

Contact Info:

• Email: burgesskingdawud@gmail.com
• Instagram: Kingdawudburgess
• Facebook: Kingdawudburgess
• Youtube: ManyBrilliantMinds The reality of us

Image Credits:
Awol Erizku Publicartfund Waah Dean founder of Ruff riders Cooperunion