Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jamil Glenn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jamil, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am from the Westside of Birmingham, Alabama. I am a poet and self taught professional photographer. People know me as, “Poet Jamil” or “B’ Ham’s Poet”. An as a photographer I am known as, “B’ Ham’s Shoota” amongst creatives from the Hip Hop and Poetry community.

As a poet I desire to be not just a poet, but an influence, a catalyst for change and a supporter of the arts. Whether it be through music, poetry or paintings. Many creatives lacks support and I am here to fill that void. I believe that the creative arts contain the power to work as a catapult to improve society.

As one of my favorite Haiku’s reads, “It’s a crazy world. Poets are heroes without capes. The arts saves the day.”

My literary work reflects my southern roots and godly core values pass to me from my parents and grandmother. My love for old school music was sparked from being around my uncles.

I was first introduced to Hip Hop & R&B through the Box Music Network, 9.57 Jamz and 107.7 WENN during the 90s. I alsohave a love for southern black gospel music. I also love to listen to saxophonists, pianists, violinist and hip hop producers samples with live instruments.

I was influenced to start writing poetry when I discovered that my oldest sister wrote poetry. My mother also wrote poetry as well as plays for the youth in our local church and her favorite subject was English. Her gift of creativity was a transcendental blessing for my sister and I.

I became heavily involved in the arts and writing poetry as I grew older. I started performing at open mic events and the Historic Bards & Brews hosted by the legendary Brian “Voice” Porter Hawkins and Miss Candice Hardy with the Birmingham Public Library.

I often use my literary work to highlight the many creatives, artists and leaders both past and present from my city and beyond. I love uplifting, encouraging, motivating, promoting and supporting those positive people that are on the similar road that I myself is traveling.

As a photographer, I have launched a photobook or a visual documentary entitled, “B’ Ham Creatives” in volumes highlighting the many Hip Hop artists, Painters, Dancers and singers throughout the South starting with my city first.

I first fell in love with photography as a child. As a child, I was mostly familiar with what we called, “throw a way cameras” and later the cell phone cameras. When I grew older I purchased my first DSLR camera and from there my journey began as a professional photographer.

Jamil, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a poet and photographer from Birmingham, Alabama. As said above my desire is to be not just a poet, but an influence, a catalyst for change and a supporter of the arts. Whether it be through music, poetry or paintings. I believe that the creative arts contains the power to work as a catapult to improve society.

As a photographer, photographing people brings me great joy! I love what I do. It is also rewarding and refreshing knowing that you “get to do” what you love. It’s an amazing feeling capturing the smiles and memorable moments of the beautiful people that I capture.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helps you build a good lasting reputation is how you service the people. The life giving words as a poet or the quick turnaround as well as the high quality images that clients will love and cherish forever.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are many things that impacts me. Here I will take the opportunity to highlight the people close to me as well as motivators and creatives. God the Father of my Savior Yahshua (Jesus), My parents, my grandparents, Torrence Sims, Eric Thomas, Les Brown, Dr. Tony Evans, Katrice Smith Hampton owner of Unbossed Apparel & Zions Greek & Apparel Boutique, NaShaye J, Caleb “Kp” Maxey, Daniel Comer (Big Slice) (R.I.H.), Keimaya Downey, 7even Rich, Ashley Jones (Poet Laureate of Alabama), Joell Regal, Kallie Skys, Derrick Lilly, Jahman Hill, E.J. Marable, Kevin “Gods Gift” Murray, Falando Green, Brodrick Robertson, PMG CEO Donald “Heavy” Williams, Commissary Corley, The Real Joe Clark and Devonta Ravizee.

Contact Info:

• Instagram : Instagram.com/ejglennphotography
  Instagram.com/poetjamil
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhamspoet87
• Twitter: Twitter.com/jamilpoetry
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCyF_-XnPMSKWRMcsDMrGKnQ

Image Credits
The Legendary Black Woman Photographer, Lex Soul Kansas, Chaney Donald Love