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

Hi Lester, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on is the one I am currently undertaking, which involves transforming true stories about HIV and AIDS into powerful, narrative-driven poems, plays, film scripts, and short stories. Numerous scholars have pointed out that we may be on the brink of a new epidemic, worsened by reduced funding for PrEP, a lack of research, and the closure of clinics worldwide. As a gay Black man who lost my mother to complications from AIDS in 1998, I believe it is crucial for us to adopt a proactive approach rather than a reactive one to the ongoing HIV epidemic. Our collective action and awareness are essential in addressing this urgent issue.

Inspired by heartfelt interviews and archival testimonies, this project weaves together the cherished memories of loved ones who have passed, incorporating elements like letters, suicide notes, medical records, and images. In a climate where HIV resources are being diminished, and arts funding is dwindling, this work aims to provide essential comfort to those grappling with this disease, fostering resilience rather than resistance.

I will not wait until a CDC report to act; I am answering the call now.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I embarked on my writing journey during college, but my passion for storytelling through dance has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. At just 14 years old, I was living in New York, leading my own dance group, and taking charge of auditions, directing, and choreographing sold-out showcases. This artistic foundation paved the way to my college education, where I earned an Associate’s Degree in Theater Arts, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater with a focus on performance, and culminated in a Terminal Degree, an MFA in Creative Writing, centered on the autobiography of African American language.

It was during my pursuit of the AA that I discovered the power of performing my poetry, transforming them into compelling short films. Throughout my BA training, I launched live poetry musical concerts that garnered significant acclaim at iconic venues like the legendary Nuyorican Poets Café and various universities and colleges across artistic spaces like SoMad.NYC and Musemes.

Step by step, I have forged my own unique path, dedicating myself to meaningful work that nurtures a loyal and supportive audience. My journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and creativity, and I am excited to continue sharing my vision with the world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My current mission in this pivotal phase of my artistic and journalistic career is to dismantle shame and illuminate the reality that no one is truly alone. The poems I create are unfiltered and serve as a heartfelt echo of life’s complexities. With HIV affecting millions globally, and as support and services dwindle, I am driven to cultivate a powerful body of work that emanates from the very core of our shared humanity—drawing inspiration from the voices of those living with this condition and those who are no longer with us, with the artifacts of pain left behind. The book is titled “Tomorrow – 12:01” for a powerful reason: it serves as a reminder that there are pivotal moments in life when we must believe in the possibility of tomorrow. Hope resides within each of us, waiting to be awakened! If we can hold on for another day, we will all see; if it doesn’t get better, it at least gets different.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Recently, I have embarked on a transformative journey, shifting my focus from performing poetry concerts to the world of filmmaking, where I have taken on the roles of producing other poets and crafting full-length theatrical choreopoems. Over the past few years, my concert experiences have left me drained, having shouldered not only the creative aspects but also the business responsibilities. This dual burden has taken a toll, both financially and emotionally, often leaving me gasping for breath by the end.

There comes a pivotal moment in our lives when we realize that we might have extracted all we can from a particular pursuit. While society often encourages us to respond to our callings, we seldom find the space to pause, reflect, and breathe. Without this reflection, both the call and everything surrounding it can blur together, leading to a stagnant worldview—and I found myself at that crossroads.

Faced with a lack of adequate funding, I knew it was time to step back and return to the page, to dream in vivid detail and reimagine the art of storytelling. It was during this period of reflection that my poetic opus, “Tomorrow-12:01,” emerged—a collection of true stories centered on the impact of HIV and AIDS. This renewed focus on my craft has invigorated my passion for storytelling, and I am excited to share these important narratives with the world. And preserve history in a way that can’t be erased.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Lestermayers.com
• Instagram: @mayersLester_
• Facebook: Lester Eugene Mayers
• Youtube: Lester Mayers
• Other: All of my poetry albums both live and studio can be found under my name Lester Mayers.

Image Credits

Photographer: Lee Gumbs – @leegumbs.photography (Instagram)
Art Director: Chris Rodriguez – @Chrisrodriguez.pdf (instagram)
Collaborating Studio – @SoMad.Nyc