Engaging

Transformative

Slam Poetry Programming on Purposeful Empathy

 
“I truly enjoyed this session! S.C. was phenomenal. I cried and laughed, and left his session inspired.”
“It was a great idea to start the day with this session!!!”
“I cannot say enough good things about this speaker/performer. He truly reminded me why it is so important to not stop looking for ways to see the good in others and that everyone needs compassion.”
“I loved everything about his session. Please bring back.”
“This speaker was very engaging, very vulnerable, so easy to connect to as he shared his story. Even in a later presentation, participants were using his suggestion to snap, clap, or comment to show support of the speaker.”
“This was my favorite speaker and session. His objective was clear and he used his time and voice so well to bring us all to a place of understanding.”
“Very moving presentation which will help me “practice” my empathy!”
“I am not usually a poetry person but I really enjoyed his session.”
“10 out of 10, truly hit home for me.”
“Definitely one of the best speakers there. Please bring him back next year!”

Award-Winning Slam Poet/ Author/ Transformative Keynote Artist

Slam Poetry taught me the sound and power of my own story and voice, and my performance poetry programming On Purposeful Empathy is designed to help audiences do the same. After hundreds of performances for businesses, schools, and conferences all over the country, I’ve seen over and over how vulnerable and creative artistry can build rich connections and transformative experiences. My mission is to use my poetry and story to cultivate transformative growth and inspire meaningful connections.

Previous Amazing Partnerships

Testimonials

“Andre is not only a talented poet but his skill at making people feel comfortable with the slam poetry medium was evident. His poem “Crayon Box” became the theme of the event which was to celebrate diversity of every kind.
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— Sandra Bisciglia | Assistant Professor of Religion at Carthage College
“The performance was fantastic and my entire team kept talking about how much they loved it. I’m so, so glad he could join us and share his work.”
— Lacy Compton - Professional Learning and Partnerships Director at Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented
“It was an inexpressible gift to see my students laugh and be inspired at the end of such a profoundly challenging year. If you can find a way to bring Andre into your community (virtually or in person), you should make it happen.”
— Kath Brandwood | English Department Chair at Doane Academy
“It was such a delight to work with S.C. and connect. His performance was truly an inspiration.”
— Wendy Fong - Manager, Social Event Innovation at Society for Human Resource Management
“Such a phenomenal and perfect presentation, I have received nothing but excellent feedback including a great amount from the young people and that’s the real litmus. The way you orchestrated the delivery, the way you brought it in meaningfully and authentically, without preaching. The way you had such a potent and heartfelt invitation for the young people to stretch and grow.”
— Solomon Masala | High School Director at Austin Waldorf
“It was a great combination of vulnerability, humor and pop culture references to keep everyone engaged.”
— Kristen Booher - Director of Civic Engagement at Davidson College
“S.C. Created a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere for the audience. He included some members as part of the performance which I think opened up reactions.”
— Jennifer Morales Mendoza - Activities Program Coordinator at Clark College
“Bradford, who is based in Austin, Texas, not only captivated his audience with beautiful slam poetry but his stories and words took my breath away.”
— The Advocate Online

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My Mission

To create more empathetic and resilient communities and cultures using powerful poetry, relevant data, and captivating story.

My Name Is Andre

I started doing live performances at the age of 15 through my high school's theatre program. I went on to study acting at the USC School of Theatre and after I graduated I moved to Austin. There, in 2014, I found my voice through Slam Poetry. I've now performed my poetry at schools, universities, and venues in 27 different states for thousands of people. I'm a two time Austin Poetry Slam Champion, the 2022 Texas Grand Slam Champion, and National Group Piece Champion. 

Stages I’ve Shared My Passion

People of Color Conference

TSAE New Ideas Conference

TEXPERS 2022

Texas Council against Family Violence Executive Directors Conference

TEDx

SXSW EDU

Tearing Down The Walls

No Place For Hate Summit

Speak Up Speak Out

National Association for Campus Activities

Poetry Slam International

Golden Brown Skin Poetry Collection

Purchase Here

“S.C. has a way of using simplicity, honesty, and powerful metaphors that make you relate to every sentence, every emotion, and every poem”

Ignatius Mwela - Co-founder of COMETRY