This month’s poem is “At last…Another’s heartbeat” by Khaliifah ibn Rayford Daniel, aka Marcellus Williams. Call 207-828-5607 through October 6th to hear Khaliifah’s poem, read by the Portland artist Genius Black.
The state of Missouri executed Marcellus Williams on September 24, 2024 despite new evidence suggesting he was wrongfully convicted for a 1998 killing that he consistently maintained he did not commit. Williams died by lethal injection after the U.S. Supreme Court denied a stay. He was 55 years old, a devout Muslim, an imam for other incarcerated people, and a poet. The case’s prosecutor, jurors and the murder victim’s family all pleaded to stop the execution. Read more.
Genius Black, also known as Jerry Edwards, is a social innovator, entrepreneur, writer, and musical artist based in South Portland.
Naturally a storyteller and motivator, he focuses on collaboration and audio/video production as a craft. Genius curates a collaborative network and collective of musical talent, GEM CITY, driving the intersection of art, culture, and quality of place unique to Maine’s coast.
He holds a degree in Africana Studies and an English minor from Bowdoin College. Genius is a media and communications organizer for TheThirdPlace and a proud board member of Portland Media Center.
Contact Genius with questions, concerns or podcast episode ideas: geniusblack7@gmail.com
