Josephus Thompson, III: Poetry is Life and Life is Poetry

Josephus Thompson, III ’01 is a man of extraordinary passion who is living his life to the fullest as a spoken word artist, educator and entertainer. For more than 20 years, he has committed his time and energy to using the power of his voice and inspiring others to be heard. He has become the go-to poet in Greensboro, North Carolina for all things spoken word.

“Poetry allows my voice to be validated and I love inspiring others to find their voices and to share their ideas with the world,” said Thompson.

Thompson is the founder and owner of Mentality Enterprises, LLC, a spoken word company that comprises of The Poetry Project, The Poetry Project Institute and The Poetry Café. His company offers workshops for youth of all ages, professional development for adults, speaking engagements and open mic events. In 2001, he received his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

“I fell in love with poetry when I first attended North Carolina A&T and I never knew that something that I loved so much would afford me the opportunities I am experiencing today,” said Thompson.

Throughout Thompson’s work, he has worked with over 5,000 youth through the Guilford County School system, local library branches and community centers. For seven years, he has coached and trained the Gate City Youth Slam Team to compete nationally at Brave New Voices, an international poetry festival and competition. He has also hosted college open mic nights at A&T, Fayetteville State, Elon and Averett universities.

“I believe it is more important for me to make a name for myself at home, than to strive to be worldwide,” said Thompson. “If your community supports you, then they will catapult your name to the masses.”

On April 7, Thompson will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of The Poetry Café in the city of Greensboro at the Triad Stage. Since the launch of the event, it has garnered 10,000 attendees from across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. It is a monthly open mic event that gives artists an opportunity to express themselves through any artistic expression such as spoken word, dance and song.

In January 2010, Thompson expanded The Poetry Café by launching his very own radio show on WNAA 90.1 FM, housed on the campus of A&T. The show airs every Tuesday at 6 p.m. EST. The concept is similar to the live version by allowing artists the opportunity to perform.

“I was persuaded by the late D. Cherie (Lofton) for years to start a radio show and it was the best decision I ever made. She wore me down and I surrendered to her request,” said Thompson.

For more information about Josephus Thompson, III, please visit www.josephusiii.com.