On the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show, listeners were treated to a rich, wide-ranging conversation with Grammy-nominated poet, journalist, author, and reality TV pioneer Kevin Powell. Powell dropped by the show during his multi-city tour to discuss his latest book, A Poem For Evangeline, And Other Songs—his 17th published work—and to share insights on art, activism, and cultural memory.
Poetry as Living Music and History
Reflecting on his journey from a single-mother household on welfare in New Jersey to becoming one of America’s most celebrated literary and activist voices, Powell emphasized the vital connection between written words, music, and social action.
"To us, poetry IS music. The way we speak is poetry, the way we walk is poetry, the way we dress is poetry... Poetry actually is everything that we do as a people." — Kevin Powell
During the interview, Powell discussed:
- The Power of Literacy & Language: Powell warned against the loss of foundational reading, writing, and history skills in an increasingly digital and testing-heavy culture.
- The Legacy of Tupac Shakur: Having written three Vibe magazine cover stories on Shakur during the 1990s, Powell shared how Tupac’s poetic roots continue to resonate across generations worldwide as he works on an upcoming definitive biography.
- Spoken Word & Sound: A Poem For Evangeline, And Other Songs blends sonnets, haikus, free form, hip-hop, and blues rhythms. Powell also revealed that an accompanying spoken-word album version is slated for release in early 2027.
Meet Kevin Powell Tonight in Atlanta!
Atlanta fans and poetry lovers have the opportunity to connect with Kevin Powell in person this evening:
- 📍 Location: Mood's Music (1131 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA — Little Five Points)
- ⏰ Time: Tonight, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- 🎟️ Admission: Free and open to the public
- 📖 Event Details: Community conversation, poetry readings, and book signing.
Be sure to stop by, get your copy signed, and join the conversation!
Connect with Kevin Powell
Follow Kevin's tour updates and literary work across social media:
- Instagram: @poetkevinpowell
- Facebook: poetkevinpowell
- X (Twitter): @poetkevinpowell
- Threads: @poetkevinpowell
- YouTube: @poetkevinpowell
- TikTok: @poetkevinpowell
- Bluesky: @poetkevinpowell.bsky.social
- LinkedIn: Kevin Powell
Stay Tuned to Wake Up With Dee
Don't miss a beat of community news, empowering interviews, and local updates! Tune in to the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST on News & Talk WAOK or stream live anywhere on the AUDACY app.
