Eddie Bell - Writing, Poetry & Motivational Speaking
Eddie Bell is a retired university educator, writer, poet, and freelance journalist/photographer. His new poetry collection, "Recrudescence: Poetry in the Key of Black," is scheduled for a Spring 2019 release. It is an eclectic mix of socially conscious poetry, a poetic treatise on the male nemesis — prostate cancer — and a poetic memoir, "Hallelujah Anyhow," written by him of his mother, whom he never knew, because she died when he was only two years old. The collection, Eddie's fourth, has been illustrated (and designed) by contemporary African American, Mexican, and white artists.
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Poetics…
Eddie Bell is a poet of broad spectrum whose writings speak to everyday people. His four volumes of poetry address the human condition from an African American perspective. His poems cut against the grain of the ordinary and delve into history and society as it relates to the black experience while not neglecting the beauty that surrounds him, both natural and human. His latest collection, Recrudescence, is an inward look into the sensitivities of an aging poet.
Eddie has presented his poetry at noted venues, including St. Marks Church in the East Village, NY; City College of NY, Poetry in Performance, Aaron Davis Hall; 4th Annual Midwest Poets & Writers Conference, Detroit, MI; 1st Annual Woodstock Poetry Festival, NY; and Le Duc des Lombards Jazz Club, Paris, France. His work has been translated into French and Russian.
Eddie Bell has been a youth advocate his entire professional career and is a pioneer in providing higher educational opportunities to students of color through the development of innovative programs and approaches, enabling them to gain admission to the State University of New York. He currently is a member of the Arts Advisory Committee for the Friendship Day School for Science and the Arts, Charlotte, NC, and recently conducted a well-regarded poetry workshop for its kindergarten students.
He resides in Charlotte, NC.
Services
Eddie Bell offers a range of services that include poetry performance, freelance journalism, motivational speaker, youth college preparedness workshops and counseling for ethnically diverse students, and effective college essay writing.
Eddie Bell has read his work nationwide in colleges and universities, libraries, and numerous other public venues and uses his poetry as a springboard to engage students from kindergarten to university in topics of social importance, personal development, and to encourage their creative endeavors.
His lengthy career as an Admissions Dean, Assistant Vice Chancellor, and Minority Program Director for one of the nation's largest university systems gives him a unique perspective and capability to consult in the program development for college-bound young people.
As a senior church administrator and College Club Director, Eddie Bell is proficient in the development and operation of church-based college preparatory programs for small churches populated with first-generation, low-income students.
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News
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 My latest book, Rearview Window/My Life 1939-1957, is a memoir tracing my life from birth to high school graduation. It begins in Loves Park Illinois, a small rural city in Illinois and culminates in suburban St. Albans, New York City. It captures the nuances of growing up in both locations capturing the life styles of young black kids coming of age in a calm environment in vivid contrast with today's complex world.
"Recrudescence: Poems in the Key of Black" was released April 2019 as an 8.5 x 8.5 color and black and white illustrated volume. Cover art by Nellie Ashford.
Eddie's most recent journalistic publication, "Nellie Ashford: Charlotte Folk Artist Lands Giant Display at Charlotte Airport," appeared in Pride Magazine (Charlotte, NC), December 2018. It chronicles Nellie Ashford's career as a self-taught folk artist.
Eddie recently conducted a fun-filled poetry workshop for kindergarten students at Friendship Day (Charlotte, NC). He incorporated handmade ethnic dolls into his presentation.
Eddie returned in November from an extensive trip to South Africa. A photo of an impressive statue of President Nelson Mandela and a replica of his first public address after being released from prison are included in "Poems in the Key of Black."
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 Nellie Ashford at the Mint Museum,
Charlotte, NC
February 2019
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Debut Reading of Recrudescence
My July debut reading of Recrudescence: Poems in the Key of Black at the Highland Public Library in Highland, NY, was a tremendous success. The full-house audience was enthused and purchased many signed copies of the book.
February 2020 Poetry Appearances...
Public Reading at Adelia M. Russell Library, Alexander City, AL
Television Interview, “The Front Porch,” WAXC-TV, Alexander City, AL
Ekphrasis 2020 Exhibition of Poetry + Images Reception, New Paltz, NY
Poetry Residency (February 21-27), California State University San Bernardino, CA
Special Features at the residency:
- Poetry workshop for the students of the Analysis & Writing of Poetry (English301B) at the Palm Desert Campus.
Professor Juan Delgado follow-up comment: “My students are still talking about you and your poetry. It was so much fun.”
- Luncheon and Discussion with the students of the Society of African American Brotherhood.
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Contact
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Phone
(845) 768-3072
Service Area
Nationwide
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