A Sketch

Creating art is a revolutionary act of resistance. Reframing the destructive narrative that the black man is one- dimensional and monolithic is paramount. This deeply personal collection of poems pushes against societies stifling vice grip on the Black experience by giving the reader an authentic glimpse into the thoughts, fears, accomplishments, wishes, hopes, and struggles of the beautifully exquisite Black man.

Creating art is a revolutionary act of resistance. Reframing the destructive narrative that the black man is one- dimensional and monolithic is paramount. This deeply personal collection of poems pushes against societies stifling vice grip on the Black experience by giving the reader an authentic glimpse into the thoughts, fears, accomplishments, wishes, hopes, and struggles of the beautifully exquisite Black man. Readers are taken through a literary workout as they think deeply about the intricacies of Becoming and the depths of Black Love. Consuming these poems give the reader a courtside view of the power of self-reflection and vulnerability. Portland's inner city, front porches, basketball courts, hospital rooms, and the halls of academia provide the backdrop for the son, brother, uncle, nephew, teammate, frat, educator, husband, and father to speak their truth. Read deeply. Think deeply. Breath deeply.

Dr. Michael Marion, Jr., is an educator. His expertise spans a wide spectrum in education and leadership across an array of educational settings. Not only has he established himself as a leader in higher education, serving students in both private and public colleges and universities, but he also serves in government and in his community. Dr. Marion has served on many committees, boards and commissions throughout his professional career. He is a facilitator for the American Leadership Forum—Mountain Valley Chapter, and has his own independent consulting firm, MarionEDU. Dr. Marion earned his associate, bachelor and master's degrees from San Diego State University and a doctorate from the University of Southern California. He was accepted into the prestigious ASPEN Institute (Leadership, Values, and the Good Society) program, Stanford University's (d.School) Designing for Social Change Program, and Harvard University's (Institute for Educational Management) leadership program. He is a native of Portland, Oregon, but calls Sacramento home.