BET on SELF: The Warrior’s Journey

In this episode, Lakisha Renee Austin explores the intersections of artistry, community advocacy, and self-reflection with Michael “Warrior” Bonds. Known for his impactful poetry and dedication to empowering others, Bonds will share his thoughts on the role of therapy in personal growth and discuss pivotal moments in his journey that reflect the “BET on SELF” philosophy.

 

 

More about Warrior: 

MICHAEL WARRIOR BONDS

Michael Warrior Bonds** is an internationally respected spoken word artist, award-winning poet, educator, motivational speaker, author, and elder statesman in Roxbury, Boston. In 2024, he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island for his significant contributions to the Culture Fest Poetic Sessions and was recently honored as a pioneer and Hip Hop Legend in his home town of Boston, recognizing his profound impact on the cultural landscape.

Michael's performances and motivational speeches are often described as "passionate," "moving," "captivating," and "powerful." He possesses a unique ability to connect with his audience, often leaving the stage to engage with them directly, earning him the nickname "the poet who has Hyperactive Attention Deficit Disorder."

 

His artistic journey has taken him across the globe, with notable performances in Barbados and an appearance on "Good Morning Barbados," as well as participation in the Airlift Project in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2004. He has produced and facilitated workshops both nationally and internationally and holds an Associate in Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University/Bauder.

 

In 2008, Michael won the "Best Spoken Word Album" award at the New England Urban Music Awards and has been recognized twice as a "Boston Community Warrior" by the Institute for Pan African Cultural Education Inc. (P.A.C.E) and the Nation of Islam in 2003 and 2011. In 2023, he served as the artist-in-residence at the West End Boys & Girls Club in Allston-Brighton, MA.  He also facilitated a three-month workshop at Brockton High School’s Promise College, teaching 37 students the art of spoken word poetry.

A self-published author, Michael has released two books of poetry: "Gunz, Poems & Rosez" and "The Write." He has also guided many youth and adults in publishing their works. His poetic contributions have been featured in various literary anthologies and magazines, including "Bandana Republic," edited by the late legendary poet Louis Reyes Rivera and Bruce George, co-founder of HBO Def Poetry. Michael has appeared in several documentaries and films, including the award-winning "The 2006 Red Bull Word Clash Film."

He has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Askia Toure, Reggie Gibson, gospel legend Tramaine Hawkins, and former R&B sensation CeCe Peniston. In 2019, he was named the Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam's Most Valuable Poet and Grande Champion, and in 2023, he was inducted into the Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam Hall of Fame. His work has also been featured on "Chronicle" (ABC News Channel 5 WCVB) and he performed at Cricket Legends in Barbados.

In addition to his performances, Michael created and curated a celebration of National Black Poetry Day in honor of America's first Black author and poet, Jupiter Hammon. He has hosted *Just Spit*, a biweekly open mic in downtown Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and In Stoughton, Ma.  Presently he co host a monthly event  to showcase Artist & Poets, Art of Poetry, in Attleboro, Ma, at the National Black Doll Musuem of History & Culture in the Emerald Square Mall.  He is the founder and creative director of POEMS Boston, a dynamic social media platform dedicated to booking, promoting, and celebrating poets and the art of spoken word across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Threads.

Michael Warrior Bonds' unwavering dedication to his craft and community makes him an exceptional artist and an enduring source of