Charles Reese’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Charles Reese. Check out our conversation below.

Charles, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes I would most definitely hire me. I am a walking encyclopedia of love, knowledge and joy with a dose of mercy, grace and peace who continues to explore and go where my blood beats!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a multifaceted artist, producer, and cultural architect, founder of Teeth and Eyes Communications, renowned for projects that celebrate Black legacy and foster intergenerational dialogue. As a Voice Arts®Award winner for Outstanding Spoken Word Performance and a Recording Academy |GRAMMYS®Voting Member, I seamlessly blend storytelling, live production, and music to drive cultural impact. With a degree in Mass Communications and Theatre Arts from Morehouse College, I have collaborated globally with artists and institutions to create powerful events at the intersection of art, activism, and heritage. My critically acclaimed work bringing James Baldwin’s legacy to life has been widely praised. Through my innovative productions, I continue to push boundaries and inspire new conversations about identity, culture, and social justice. Additionally, I am known for work in the role of Jalil on the TV series Beauty and the Baller. (Now streaming on Amazon Prime and YouTube). My highly anticipated second album, SPEAK! | A Spoken Word Odyssey | Volume One, was released on August 19th, and is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My 6th-grade teacher, Mrs. Lillian L. Fulp, from Scott Montgomery Elementary School in Washington, DC, introduced me to the poetry of Langston Hughes. It’s wonderful how one educator can have such a lasting impact on a student’s life. Langston Hughes’ poetry is indeed timeless, and it’s lovely that his work continues to inspire me to this day. As I reflect on my own work, including my first award winning spoken word album, “James Baldwin & Me,” and my recently released second album, “SPEAK! | A Spoken Word Odyssey | Volume One,” it’s evident that the seeds of creativity and passion were sown early on. Kudos to Mrs. Fulp for nurturing my love for poetry and language!

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I felt heard and seen when I entered Morehouse College and met my mentor, the late Lamar Alford, who was an original cast member of the Broadway show Godspell. His kindness, grace, and honesty profoundly impacted my life, allowing me to embrace my calling as an artist and activist. Additionally, I formed lasting friendships at Morehouse that remain strong today. I recently celebrated my 40th year reunion in May 2025, reflecting on the enduring bonds and experiences that continue to shape me.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
For over 25 years, I’ve been a devoted purveyor and ambassador of the iconic writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin’s legacy. Through his work, I’ve discovered the powerful practice of “bearing witness,” which has liberated me in my artistic and professional pursuits. By embracing this practice, I see myself as a vessel, utilizing my life and career as an artist as a tool for healing and creative problem-solving to address societal challenges within our global diaspora. Baldwin’s literary canon serves as a profound compass, offering deep insight into the human soul.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I am at peace the most when I am sitting inside of a theatre space (Broadway, regional, local and/or community). It is my get a way. It is my non-guilty pleasure and after the curtain call , I am recharged to go back into the world and continue exploring my life journey. The exploration can take various shapes depending on the subject matter of the performance and performers’ execution. Currently, I just completed and released my 2nd spoken word album called SPEAK, which is allowing me to speak on several issues happening today coupled with sharing some in depth words set to music. The soul-stirring independent project was produced by Everett Moon at Lunar Labs Studios in Inglewood, CA.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charlesreeseexperience.com
• Instagram: [email protected]
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-reese-3053195
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charles.reese
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thecharlesreeseexperience

Image Credits
www.icyoula.com
Alfred Haymond
Sage Gallon
Courtesy of the Society for Voice Arts & Sciences ( SOVAS)
Courtesy of the Artist