K.L. Belvin
New York City Dept. of Ed. Dean of Student / Teacher for 15 + years
NYC Dept. of Ed. Instructional Materials Reviewer: Physical Education / Health Education Materials
5 + years
Founder of Bravin Publishing LLC. est 2010
Founder of Black Love Radio est 2011
A.S. Business
B.S. Physical Education & Health Education
M.S. Education, Assessments, and Curriculum Writing
OnHighlights
Featured in Ebony Magazine Feburary 2012
Featured in Belle Noir Magazine Jan. 2012
Hosted "Making Marriage Work" Seminar at Delaware Black Expo 2011
Co-Host of weekly Internet Radio Show, Black Love Radio. Dedicated to reparing relationship of all kinds 2011
Featured in Love Like God by Caroline A. Shearer, Inspirational Anthology 2011
Published seven titles, through Bravin Publishing, raging from Poetry, Self Help, Urban Fiction, Urban Science Fiction, Historicak, Memoir and A Poetic Anthology 2011
Named Keynote Speaker for Queens Book and Health September 2010 and 2011
Created Curriculum's for Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council "READ 2 SUCCEED Through Hip-Hop Project". For the Beyonce and Alicia Keys titles. 2011
Interview with Joey Pinkney, 5 Minutes, 5 Questions June 2010.
Co-Chaired literary panel "Writers Rock" @ the African American Museum of Nassau County
110 North Franklin Street Hempstead NY 11550 April 2010
Published Self Help / Memoir "The Only One That Can Stop Me Is Me" by Jovan Roseboro, released April 2010 through Bravin Publishing
Created "Young Kings" young men’s mentor program for Urban Action Academy High School. September 2009
Named Dean of Students at Urban Action High School, Canarsie Educational Campus in Brooklyn, September 2009
Contributor to the 6th annual Queens Book and Health Fair. September 2009
Contributor to the Harlem Book Fair Long Island September 2009 &2010
Interview with Joey Pinkney, 5 Minutes, 5 Questions July 2009.
Grand Prize winner in the June/2009 "Black Fathers Hall of Fame Father’s Day Essay Contest!"
Contributor to the Totally Independent Book Fair, Fort Green Brooklyn May 2009
Hosted: Nip and Sip, A Night of Art, Food, Wine
and Poetry show for Simply to Empower Inc., Queens, NY 2009
Featured author on I Luvblackwomen : Why I Love Black Women Blog. 2009
Featured on Written Voices Blog: Interviewed on contribution to "The Soul of a Man". 2009
Featured in Mary B. Morrison’s latest novel "Who’s Loving You". Personal article "Who’s Loving Me?" By K. L. Belvin pages 246-249 Ms. Morrison is a NY Times and Essence Best Sellingauthor. With over 10 books to her credit. Who’s Loving You by Mary B. Morrison 2008
Interviewed by Shon Bacon of "The Nubian Chronicles Magazine", featured in the "Straight From the DA Pen"section of their Summer issue. 2008
Co-hosted poetry workshop with author/poet Vincent Alexandria », At the BLACK WRITERS REUNION & CONFERENCE 2008 Workshop » Creating the Poet: Exploring the Craft and Business of Poetry The workshop explored the craft as well as the marketing and selling of poetry and poetic thought. It explored the different forms of poetry. The workshop discussed how to market yourself as a poet through chats, books, CD’s and the Internet. It also explored the national explosion of poetry slams.
Frequent guest and co-host on various Internet and Blogtalk radio programs.
Everyday radio » , , The Daring Show » , The Beautiful Butterfly Show », The Anjulle Show » , Rowan Radio 89.7WGLS-FM "African American Profile"» , Book Talk, Creativity, and Family Matters with Anjulle » , Author Speak, with Michele Green » , Urban Echoes with Marc Harris » , Black Author Network » , Urban Literary Review, The Assassins Lounge with DeHitmen, and many others.
Books
From Gigolo to Jesus
Released by Bravin Publishing LLC April 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9845018-1-6
Genre: Memoir
From Gigolo to Jesus is a journey which allows the reader to take a walk with K. L. on his road from whore to man of God, loving husband and dedicated father. He discusses how gaining access to pornography at a young age and having no male role models led him to a life of inward and outward destruction. K. L. is very candid on what his life was like including sleeping with over three hundred women, being a part of over twenty five miscarriages and abortions combined, having six children with five different women, being married and cheating, divorced, all while being lead to hearing the Lord’s voice, changing his life, getting married to a woman he cheated on three times while they were dating, reconnecting with all his children, even one he found out about after twenty six years. The book also explores K. L.'s reconnection with his father after 39 years who he never met, being a mentor and educator and becoming a spiritual man. This powerful story will take you through the trials and tribulations of a boy growing into a man. Along the lines of Malcolm X, K. L. decided to offer the world his own words on his life. You will be angered and moved at the true transformation of one man brave enough to be place under societies microscope.
A Man in Transition by K. L.
Released by Bravin Publishing LLC, June 2008
ISBN: 13: 978-0-6152051-4-4
Genre: Poetry
A Man in Transition tells a story in poetry and prose of a misogynistic gigolo,reckless father, ego maniac turned, devoted husband, educator, and role model. What do you call a man who cheated on his wife numerous times, fathered multiple children, was driven by his ego, drank and partied as if there wasn't a tomorrow and even turned one of his children into the police? Today he is a
devoted husband who loves his wife with each breath. Takes care of all his children and honors his responsibilities. He holds a Master s degree in education and found the Lord. He now spends his time trying to heal others who were on the same path he was to destruction. You would call him; A Man in Transition. Through poetry, short stories and observations, K. L. gives you a
glimpse into his life as misogynistic adult, turned master of education. Reared by his mother, grandmother, and for a short time great grandmother KL opens a window into the interpretations of life from the perspective of an educator. Teaching today s young black males growing up without their fathers or significant male role models he uses poetry to show masculinity instead of the
usual choices availed to so many. A Man in Transition; speaks to the center of this changed man s heart while providing a glimpse into a past that will make you shake your head. A Man in Transition , A collection of poems, stories and observations written by a New York City Teacher, Keith Belvin (K.L.), who gained media attention when he turned his daughter in after viewing a video of her and her friends assaulting a passenger on the subway.
THE SOUL OF A MAN : A TRIUMPH OF MY SOUL ANTHOLOGY
Released by Peace in the Storm Publishing, June 2009
ISBN: 13: 978-0-9819631-3-6
GENRES: Anthologies, Inspirational
What lies in the soul of a man? Love, laughter, heartache and sorrow? Pride, fear, rage and contentment? The true measure of a man lies in his heart and in his soul. Trials are measured and grounded by inner feelings and the expectations placed on them and they persevere. The weights of the world sometimes are carried on their shoulders. From socio-economic barriers, to
racial tensions, broken hearts, to new found faith-experience the plight of man, as only he can explain it, told from his perspective and from his heart. Through expressions of the history of his past, the reality of his present, and the optimism of his future, these gifted men relate what stirs a man's soul and ignites his actions and his thinking. Men the world over have always been much
maligned and strident in how life portrays and prefaces their successes and failures. This collection of enlightening stories personifies the sentiment, faith, resilience and love embodied in the creation God made in His own image. The Soul of a Man is a Divine truth and an affirmation of the passion running through the minds of men where hearts and souls are bared. In continuation of the Triumph series, the second book, The Soul of a Man: A Triumph of My Soul Anthology, features these brilliant men; Joe Thomas, Jihad, William Fredrick Cooper, Alvin C. Romer, Marc Lacy, Maurice M. Gray, Jr., Brian Ganges, Jarold Imes, K.L. Belvin, Joey Pinkney, Thomas Ashburn, Jr., Clarence "Baba Simba" Mollock, Tyrell Floyd and Eddrick Dejuan.
For publishing inquiries please contact:
Bravin Publishing LLC.
P.O. Box 340317
Rochdale, NY 11434
Office: 718 525 2052
Cell: 646 303 6264
http://www.bravinpublishing.com/Bravinpublishing.html
Interview Questions
1. Let's start with a hard question: Who IS KL?
KL is a humble but confident writer trying to create different works of art that can be respected for what they are. I am teacher, father, husband and Christian who loves life and trying to do what’s right… I am a very emotional man who has a deep passion for trying to do things well. I am person with a deep and strong past. Some of which I am proud of and some of which I am not. It from there I pull from to create my poems and stories. I am also feel that it is the Lord who guides my hands when I am working on something written, since this wasn’t something I thought I would be doing.
2. I started with the hardest question because I know that inevitably who you are is illustrated in your new book, A MAN IN TRANSITION. Your opinions and thoughts are reflected in the poems, stories, and writings that you showcase. If you had 50 words in which to state why people should buy and read A MAN IN TRANSITION, what would you write?
This is a poetry book that comes from deep inside a man’s heart that has changed his life. Inside the book that will find poems that will touch your soul. In buying this book you assisting an educator to create a real life dream come true for his students...
3. What are various themes that you tackle in the collection?
A Man in Transition is broken into chapters that reflect who I am. The poems and stories and set up this way. Spiritual, Romance, As a Father, As a Teacher, Observation Of The World and Reflections of Self and the final section, A brief look at the man I was, Poems and Stories of Erotica. There is also a tribute to my lovely wife with featuring a poem she wrote for me. She is truly my heart and I wanted to make sure the world gets to see.
4. It’s difficult to write, period, but I would assume it's an extra tedious task when you're compiling various styles of work to go into a collection. Did you have the idea for the collection first and then wrote pieces for it, or did you write the pieces and then realize the opportunity to compile them into a collection?
The poetry pieces were written before I decided to put the book together and then I decided to set them up based on an idea I had on trying to show my transformation as man. This became my guide in setting up the chapters.
5. What brought you to writing?
That is a good question. Actually it was a way for me to express all these feelings I had going on inside me. I never thought I was any good at it so I kept much of my work to myself. As I grew older and the internet was a boom, it allowed me to write from the privacy of my home and that gave me confidence. I am still nervous when it comes to my writing but if you’re not willing to step out on faith, nothing will be gained.
6. What's your favorite thing about A MAN IN TRANSITION?
WOW, that is tough. I would say the book itself. Seeing that I completed a book that has my work in it, knowing how I feel about my work is at times overwhelming. So to clearly answer your question honestly, I don’t have a favorite it’s the whole book I like.
7. What are three adjectives that best describe A MAN IN TRANSITION?
Reflective, Heartfelt, Moving
8. What are three adjectives that best describe YOU?
Passionate, Humble, Intellectual
9. I know that faith and God are paramount in your life and that they are reflected in A MAN IN TRANSITION, too. Do you believe this thread will find itself in future works of yours?
The Lord will always be a part of what I write but not in a way that I would ever preach to someone. However, in the future non-fictional and fictional titles I want to write, there will be a connection some where to the faith. Can’t say it will be the main focus but a role.
10. Here's another tough question: what is ONE poem, ONE story, and ONE writing in A MAN IN TRANSITION that you find yourself strongly connected to and why?
That is easy the one poem is “Perfect Woman” it’s a tribute to my wife. The one story is the “The Birth” which speaks to the being there for the birth of my first son. The one writing would be, “My Queen” which was written as mother’s day gift to my mother. Watching her face when she read it was classic. She even framed it and keeps it in her room.
11. What have you done and what are you doing - as author - to promote A MAN IN TRANSITION?
I started with friends and family to let them know I even have a book. My colleagues and students have offered to support me. I have been to Tampa for the Black Writers Conference to try to network so I can learn more ways to promote. Of course I have a website that I use to present the book to the world. I do plenty of internet radio stations where I can read some poems and network with other poets and those that like them. I also plan on going to poetry shows here in NY. I am also going to look into going to colleges to talk to young men and woman about some of the subjects in the book and of course just hitting the streets to talk to people and read to those that will listen.
12. Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do they inspire you as a writer?
I can’t say I have favorite but here a few I enjoy, Maya Angelo, The Last Poets, Malcolm X, Langston Hughes, the writers of Marvel and DC comics and the bible. I have very strange taste and feelings about things. I am inspired in many ways. Each of the above authors will speak to me in different ways so it depends on what mood I am in at the time that will decide what I get from it. There so many others I could have listed but we would be here forever. Smile...
13. Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words:
LIFE: is Precious must be protected in all forms.
FAITH: Is needed to make it through the day to day. Needed to connect you to the maker
WRITING: At times difficult, but rewarding when completed
KL: A man with deep emotion and pride wants to be a role model to so many. Protector.
A MAN IN TRANSITION: A Book to be shared and read out loud with others around to enjoy. A book which shows what is in a man soul when he changes his life for the better.
14. What projects are you currently working on?
At Bravin Publishing we are working on publishing a marriage guide written in Spanish and my second title to be released in the fall of 2010. A memoir called “From Gigolo to Jesus. It will be an eye open account of how I was able to over the misogynist way I lived to my life to one of happiness and monogamy.
Bravin Publishing LLC.
Office Email: info@BravinPublishing.com
“Writing from the Heart the way it should be”
