Connecting Despite Our Differences
Theo Wilson, an award-winning poet and activist, will discuss what he learned going undercover in the Alt-Right, his experience as a police brutality survivor, and what it looks like to embrace our history and move forward. His journey has been chronicled on the TED Radio Hour NPR and Washington Post, among others. Wilson will also conduct a slam poetry workshop as part of Inauguration Week events.
Theo E. J. Wilson
Theo E. J. Wilson, also known by his poet handle, "Lucifury," is a modern Renaissance Man. His natural knack for artistic expression had him dabbling in, and even mastering almost every art form he put his hands to. Battling manic depression from an early age, this knack would save his life and shape an award-winning career as a spoken word artist, pianist, actor, singer, rapper, dancer and activist. Wilson is a founding member of the Denver Slam Nuba team, which won the National Poetry Slam in 2011. He began his speaking career in the N.A.A.C.P. at the age of 15 and has always had a passion for social justice. He attended Florida A&M University, where he obtained his B.A. in Theater Performance. Upon graduating, he interned as a full-time actor with the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, where he was introduced to Slam Poetry, and has never looked back. In 2004, he returned to Denver, winning many local slams against Denver's top competitors. He won the 2007 Erotic Poetry Slam in Austin, Texas, and in 2009, he had the honor of placing fifth in the world at the International World Poetry Slam.
Wilson teaches and lectures on poetry with the Art-From-Ashes nonprofit poetry therapy organization and is a proud resident of Denver, Colorado. He has participated as a featured speaker in several TEDx Mile High productions. In 2013, he began speaking with Rachel's Challenge, an organization started by the family of Columbine victim Rachel Scott. Wilson has opened for performers such as Dead Prez, The Flobots, Bahamadia, Saul Williams, Taylor Mali and Universes.
Watch a sampler of Theo Wilson's work on YouTube.
Join us in celebrating the Inauguration of Dr. Cindy G. Gnadinger​. Learn more about Inauguration Week, March 10-16, 2018.