Omanii Abdullah is an award-winning poet, performer, and educator from Spartanburg, SC. His poems have been published in several journals and he has won numerous poetry awards. He conducts workshops around the nation, especially in correctional facilities, youth centers, schools, and colleges. He has appeared on television and radio and has published several poetry books that explore topics like parenting, culture, racism, and life experiences.

1. Award Winning
PoetPerformerEducatorOmanii Abdullah
OmaniiAbdullah
2375S.PineSt.
Spartanburg,SC29302
is poems have been published in
several journals.
The winner of numerous poetry awards.
He conducts workshops throughout the Nation in
correctional facilities, Division for youth centers,
high schools, Colleges, family reunions, etc.
He has appeared on several television and
radio programs.
His poetry book titles include:
I wanna be the kinda father my mother was.
Nobody eats fried chicken like Black folks do.
This is gonna hurt me a whole lot more'n hurts you.
It ain't only hard out here for a pimp.
Mama said there'd be days like this.
"...you see there was this brotha on the bus eatin'
some chicken. He started off wit' a coupla gizzards,
then he moved on to the wing. He even ate that little
flat part, you know the part that most white folks
don't eat, but I do, and he did too. Then he poured
some hot sauce all over a big breast, let me stop
because I ain't doin' nuttin' but getting' myself all
worked up. Just let me tell you this, nobody can eat
fried chicken like Black folks do..."
(Excerpt from "Nobody eats fried chicken like Black folks do")
H

2. manii Abdullah is a retired Emeritus Professor
of Syracuse University and Morrisville State
College, New York. He started writing poetry as a
5th grader in Syracuse, New York. He became a
serious writer in the 1980's while residing and
teaching in Saudi Arabia. Upon the urging of
friends he put together a collection of his poetry
entitled I wanna be the kinda father my mother
was. The book published by New Readers Press
has received numerous awards.
"...You say it ain't too cool to be smart in class,
so you gotta be the clown and show your ass.
you're fast on the court when you play b-ball, you
don't go to study hall, I know you drink alcohol.
I want you to learn to think wit your head and
not the head between your legs. Spreadin'
your seed all over the lan', makin' a baby don't
prove you're a man. Bein' a man means takin'
care of the child and I don't mean
just every once in a while..."
(Excerpt from "Do the Right Thing")
O Poet Performer EducatorAs a poet he talks about what you've experienced
in life, divorce, step parenting, the highs of life,
HIV/AIDS, racism, childhood, death and dying
and much more.
As a performer
he incorporates
music, slides,
dramatics,
and mood in his
performances
As an educator in his
workshops he teaches
others how to put their
feelings and emotions
on paper. He helps the
participants explore
and write about their
feelings concerning
varied subjects,
culminating in a
poetry booklet
for the participants.
"...I could hardly go to sleep, tomorrow I would
be casting my vote for a political candidate who
had given me a reason to believe in hope.
When I went into the voting booth I looked at my
watch. It was 8:02 a.m. then something strange
happened. There were others in the booth with
me and they all wanted to pull the lever.
Kunta Kinte, 4 little girls from Birmingham,
a badly disfigured brother from Chicago,
the sister who led the Underground Railroad.
They all pleaded with me to let them do it.
What was I to do..."
(Excerpt from "8:02 a.m.)
"Now, this is the poem that should have been
read at the inauguration of the first African-
American President."
Quraysh Ali Lansana-poet/editor/publisher
"Your one man show-it was like watching
something on Broadway."
Joe Leonard, Math Professor
"His poetry touches the soul."
James V. Hatch, author/professor/curator
"The brother is-badd!"
Felipe Luciano, Broadcaster/WLIB
"Copies of his books keep mysteriously
"walking" away from the library!"
Lisa Stogner, Librarian
El Tempo High School, Texas
"Mr. Abdullah's workshops have been very well
received. The students and the community asks
for his return every year.
Jacalyn Groves, Media Specialist
Morrisville, New York
"It was a very good performance, the audience
loved it. They could see why he won first place."
John "Watusi" Branch,
Afrikan Poetry Theater, New York City
For more information contact:
omaniithepoet@gmail.com
(315) 247-4206