Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nathaniel Graham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nathaniel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
Growing up in Southeast D.C. I didn’t have any examples or role models that could assure me I’d live pass 18. Fatherless I was raised by my mother and along with my four sisters. Through the grace of God I was able to move from that environment, to give myself a fighting chance to make it in this world. As a father and mentor I openly share my healing journey of a traumatic upbringing to be a living testimony that it doesn’t matter where you start, it’s about your desire for a better destination. I believe I’ll be remembered as a person who left behind a committed life that inspire and motivated the youth and my peers to find the champion in themselves.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As an artist I started writing at a very young age, 7-8 years old. But it wasn’t until middle school that I began to harness my craft and creativity to be able to tell my story. I was fortunate enough to have teachers who believed in me and pushed me to publish two magazines called the creative stance where children like myself could express themselves in a more positive and constructive way rather than the anger we all felt inside. I believe the thing that sets me apart from others is that I’m very transparent in my poetry which allows me to express what many in our culture sees as “the unspoken truth” in my recently published book “Behind Poetic Lines” I dive into great details on what we often sweep under the rug. I’m most proud of putting this body of work together to allow others to heal and not feel alone while leaving something behind that will outlive myself. This will be a cornerstone for my sons and our legacy as a reminder that I faced it all solely for them to experience better.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I remember at 8 years old I witnessed a homicide of my best friend, he was 15. He was taken out of this world due to gang violence. I never received any form of therapy to help me cope with that experience. But I made a promise to myself and later my mother that I’ll never engage in that lifestyle and do everything possible to live long enough for her to be proud of me. As an adult I sought therapy to heal from childhood trauma. As an artist I often made my audience my unlicensed therapist and the stage served as the infamous couch. I found strength in healing, I found peace and tranquility, things that as a teen I thought were out of my reach.
I stand tall because I always visualized myself in a better situation than my current one.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a poet is always how you inspire others. Be it to encourage and motivate, make them evaluate themselves or my personal favorite just hearing them say “me too” speaking with so many people after reading or hearing my art is one of the most inspiring things I could ever experience. The exchange of testimonies and depth of conversation, it always leaves a smile on my heart
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natesr_improv?igsh=MXM4dTZpcGdlYjIxdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nate.graham.77?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/nate_sr?fbclid=PAAabyRHwLeIhIcdC84AQsr1GB1xOzc7pUTAsGhYBZUp9ZWRANAWewRQdawEQ_aem_AfLapTE77-NmnWBN58sUgfb2H38-7FkcbOKjVATp4IINeBYACYwFPZ9UXB815RLVnyY
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thesankofacollective2024?si=O5KOL5wQTu3hXW66
- Other: https://a.co/d/6ahVkJL
- My book: Behind Poetic Lines
Image Credits
Krishann McConico Chanel Graham Dianne Graham Dr. Al-Tariq Moore