Charles Crouch (S.I.L.E.N.T.W.A.R)

I am more accustomed to speaking events where I perform my spoken word pieces and then explain them with audience interaction (Q/A). When I lecture this is usually my format. I am often invited to lecture at college classes for English, literature, and poetry forums.
Also I speak at events concerning young black men and the issues surrounding them as well.
In addition I also performed full sets of my poetry/hip-hop with full music tracks and theatrics as well.
I try to keep my audience involved as much as I can...speaking from personal experiences as well using a Biblical perspective when deemed necessary. There is absolutely no profanity used in my sets/lectures. Everything I represent is positive.

I am a poet, writer, spoken word artist, and lecturer on mostly things directly or indirectly related to African American culture. I have a passion for outlook on young black males in America and what effects them. A performance from me typically consists of performance of some of my spoken word pieces along with question and answer sessions. This is usually what I do when I visit college classes, etc. I usually speak in English/Literature, and African African History and/or Culture classes.
When I am strictly lecturing and/or just speaking; I typically spoke on issues regarding African American culture with a concentration on the effects of negative influences on the youth. Self identity is one of the key points I try to drive home when motivating and encouraging my audience.
Single parent homes and the lack of positive role models for our young men are points of reference as well. I speak directly from my book, "Hate My Face: The Struggle Between Young Black Men and Love."
My sole objective is to motivate our youth to become more than the stereotypical images people make of them. I let them know about the pitfalls of negative influences and who they look up to, and who society displays as "images" of success. Using history, music references, a little humor, spirituality, reality, and compassion; I strive to make sure my audience leaves thinking, motivated, and determined to overcome.
In addition, I also speak at events for Kwanzaa, and Black History Month. Along with that, when strictly doing spoken word sets, I also have spoken at several Valentines Day events and events related to such. Banquets, birthday parties, and festivals are also a part of speaking repertoire.
I have also participated in round-table discussions for African American gatherings as well.

All I require is a good sound system and a CD player if I will be performing a musical set. Also, I good microphone is a must.