Marquis Love

Marquis Love, an aspiring writer originally from the greater Atlanta area, now resides in Rock Hill, South Carolina. His interest in writing began with an introduction to poetry by his third grade tutor–a retired school teacher, Mrs. Vivian Cranford. Mrs. Cranford noticed his keen interest in word composition and began to use poetry as a medium for teaching him math, science, and other subjects. During this time Marquis was introduced to the poetic works of Langston Hughes, Shel Silverstein, and Maya Angelou. By the time he entered his freshman year of high school, he had discovered a new passion, rap music. He’d often dissect the lyrics and styles of artists such as Tupac Shakur, Nasir Jones, and Andre Benjamin. When he tried his hand at rap music, he found that he was naturally gifted in this rhythmic form of poetic expression, that would later become a valuable tool on his journey as a

writer. Rap music became the catalyst that would help him better understand the use of metaphors, word play, rhythm, and emotionally verbal expression. Over time, the content of his poetry broadened, going from pain and personal experiences to religion, politics, racism, current events, and social observation. Marquis has been acknowledged among his peers and community as a lyricist and poet, whose pieces show depth and challenge conventional ways of thinking. In 2015, he entered a literary competition hosted by the York County Arts Council, in which he won

first place in the adult poetry category. That experience encouraged him to pursue writing full-time and share his work with others.

Participation at the 2017 West End Poetry Festival

• The Poetry of Resistance | Saturday, October 21 | 2:30 to 4 pm | Century Center
• For a full schedule and descriptions of all sessions, see the festival schedule.