I'm a fairly literate opinionated 75 year old survivor whose life has been influenced by many courageous personalities from all walks of life. Most of all my major influences after parents have been writers, and teachers. I can't begin to list them all so I won't list any.  I will say I am because they were.

I have been a co host at one weekly poetry venue in Memphis,TN,formerely an MC at an ongoing weekly poetry venue in West Memphis, AR. Former Events Editor of MemphisPoetry.com. Former Slam winner of Memphis Sound & Syllable under Thom Holcomb. Past Host of an African American weekly internet radio show which featued,news, dialogue, and poetry. Former weekly columnist(1986) in the old Arkansas State Press under the ownership of the late legendary Daisy Bates.

One has to start somewhere. I waited until I turned 60 to get the courage to just scream in writing poetry publicly. I completed my first poetry Cd entitled "The Piper Is Here", and completed a chap book of 61 poems entitled, "Mirrors" an Anthology. Both projects were self produced and published. First publication sold out, second release in progress. Recently entered partnership promoting Spoken Word (Poetry) Artists. First completed project enticed Sudanese poet-activist Kola Boof to come to Memphis on her book tour. Most current activities include active participation in THE WORD a weekly showcase for poets at THE RHUMBA ROOM ,& THE FIREHOUSE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY in Memphis; formerely founded and directed a Performing Arts Program for youth at a local boys and girls club in West Memphis, Arkansas. Former Featured Poet at Java Juice & Jazz's Hot Tea, Brunch & Poetry on 1st & 3rd Thursdays in Memphis, TN

Former Radio Host-Segmented Realities
Vehicle for education of Americans of African descent and their friends. Empowerment through poetry, dialogue and news.

MySpace
Just a curious place to be surfing among friends and ideas.

Mikii Hooper aka Grangran
Networking, and event notifications.