Brenardo
Brenardo is a poet that crafts poems relevant to occasions in which he is invited to present, such as “Voice As Bridge. He participated in this international event at the Italian Embassy representing the African diaspora. In another instance, he was called upon to present poetry of solidarity and social-consciousness for people uniting for the “Workers Poetry Fest.” This degree of activism extended itself to a host of poems written about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other persons and aspects of the Civil Rights Movement through "Poetry Extravaganza" an annual celebration in which he participated for over 10 years.
The excellence of his craft is evident in the joy and appreciation expressed by those to whom he has presented his work for over 40 years. Says Brenardo, "It truly is gratifying to see people uplifted from states of loss or despair, or see their joy elevated by words that celebrate their accomplishments, or special occasions." This is the vision that has emerged from his early years of putting his words on paper, something that began strictly to help him cope with his own feelings and experiences, but ultimately allowed him and others to discover the commonality of the human condition when individuals share their feelings through poetry.
"Ultimately, it is among one’s peers that the true excellence of one's craft is acknowledged. By intermingling with other poets who have studied, researched, and crafted poetry, a poet will find acceptance and kinship at various levels." Among these groups of people who know what poetry truly is and can be, Brenardo has been celebrated and invited to present his work at prestigious events, such as "Fortune's Bones" a multi-disciplined arts-based cultural event at the University of Maryland, the "Kunta Kinte Festival" in Annapolis; and at "The Harlem Renaissance Festival" in Prince Georges County Maryland. His peers have also ushered him into various groups such as the ‘Anointed PENS’ and ‘Collective Voices.' It was through an introduction to the late Poet Laureate of the Nation’s Capital, Dolores Kendrick, Brenardo became a member of her ‘Poets In Progress’ group, performing annually at the Folgers Shakespeare Theatre, and other venues.
Beyond the high quality of poetry he has produced, how he has shared these creations in his community is another ultimate criterion that qualifies him for this honor. Additionally, for six years he organized and produced an event, "Poetry Cafe," presenting poetry at his workplace, Verizon. Politically, the formation and multiple presentations of poetry including fund-raising on behalf of the group “Poets and Artists For Obama” can also be counted among his accomplishments.
There have also been numerous presentations for nursing homes, and workshop presentations for students ranging from kindergarten to high school age. He has written and performed poetry on behalf of military veterans, and substance abuse organizations for the mental health community. Brenardo has accomplished much and continues to take poetry to a level that can truly be called excellent. For these reasons and more, Andre Brenardo Taylor is qualified to receive the Poet of Excellence recognition.