Daniel B. Summerhill is a poet from Oakland, California currently nestled in Albany, NY. He was previously named Youth Poet Laureate. Daniel has been writing since the age of 12 and has been performing his works at colleges, universities, and venues across the United States since 2009. He has won several poetry slams including: The Golden Gate Poetry Slam, Cypher's Inc Slam, and The Empire State Slam. He was a runner up at the Pittsfield WordXWord Festival. He has also been part of the award-winning spoken word collective Poiema and has made two appearances at the National Poetry Slam. His first published a collection of poems in May 2015 titled Brown Boys On Stoops. His recently published collection of poetry and prose is titled Crafted. It journeys through the cultural,spiritual, and monumental elements of the world. Also, it is "a dialogue between art and society," and heavily influenced by "Oakland and the ethnic diversity there."
But beyond the general biographical trajectory of Daniel B. Summerhill, he is a humble and inspirational poet. I've had the privilege of seeing him live, and my god is he a force to be reckoned with. His poetry speaks multitudes, not only one paper, but when he performs with such grace and electricity. The written word in itself is powerful, but when that same passion is illuminated on stage--it's an experience. Recently, Daniel hosted a collaborated event in the Capital Region of New York named "Crafted." The event was a live poetry showcase and book release, which included some other well known poets in the area: Amani Olugbala,Tenesha Smith, Danielle Colin, and Daniella Toosie-Watson.
What captivated me most was the unnerving energy from both the audience and the poets on stage. It was as if there was a current that ran through everyone and it kept continuously being put up a little higher with each word. It was a showcase of poets that have been through various trials of life and have come out victorious. By the end, the energy is bouncing off the walls. The audience is on the edge of their seats, as if they were watching an action-packed movie at the theatre but it's for poetry which is ten times better. But,then, Daniel emerges from backstage and it's pure silence. But, the energy is buzzing just like before and it is touching upon each person in anticipation to listen--to take in a breath of fresh words and expel beauty out of their lungs. Daniel has a gift of bringing both the community together and also allowing each audience member to be a little vulnerable for a little while. To be in this safe and vulnerable space with another person is so genuine and it is encapsulated whenever Daniel graces a stage.
If you don't believe the magic that is Daniel Summerhill, check out this video of my personal favorite "Ode to Elijah"
If interested in seeing Daniel live, here is a list of campuses in the United States where he will be reading at. Alongside reading throughout the United States, Daniel will be going on a UK tour in August in places such as London, Oxford, and Manchester.
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