Local poet Steaven Misher said he wants to help young people sharpen their communication skills, to improve their chances at success in the future.

To accomplish this goal, he recently established the nonprofit P.O.E.T. Foundation Inc., to equip young people with the tools they will need to do just that.

“There is a need for the foundation because our children need to be able to read and write correct English, and also speak it,” said Misher, 48, of McDonough. “This helps their confidence, and it greatly strengthens their chances for academic success. Moreover, it also strengthens their communication skills.”

P.O.E.T. is an acronym for “Poetic Outreach that Empowers and Transforms.”

Misher said he launched the nonprofit foundation in 2020, to empower children by strengthening their skills in writing and public speaking while providing a resource for students going from high school to college.

Misher said the foundation’s efforts will not be confined by race or region of the country. He plans to work with young poets of all ages and races, with the motto “changing lives, one writer at a time.”

“I am quite proud, first of all, of starting a foundation,” said Misher.

“I’m very proud that we have been able to give back to the community. I look forward to this becoming a movement, not just county-wide or statewide but also nationally to give back to our youth.”

Misher served in the U.S. Army, exiting the military as a sergeant in 2016. The following year, he was voted Inspirational Poet of the Year, and was a speaker at the Gospel Choice Awards.

Misher is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc and the NAACP. He also previously recited poetry for notable political figures including the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis and Congressman Hank Johnson.

The foundation held its inaugural Oratorical Contest in February at Forest Park High School. Participants garnered cash prizes, and representatives worked with each of the finalists to further hone their oratorical skills, said Misher.

“They had to recite their speech on a Zoom call,” he said. “Everyone won. All of the finalists received something.”
Misher said the foundation is working to schedule a similar event locally in the near future.

“We’re trying to do it either later this month or next month,” he said.

“We’re in talks with a couple of elementary schools in Henry County to have an oratorical contest and enhance [participants’] speeches.

Furthermore, we’re in the process of setting up a poetry club where young poets can come and recite their poetry.”

Misher, a Morehouse College alumnus, holds a double Master’s Degree in Education and African American studies from Clark Atlanta University and Phoenix University. Misher has worked as an educator for nearly 20 years across the Atlanta area, and he has created and recited poetry for more than 25 years. His poetry books include Eagles Fly Alone, Healing in His Wings, and Heaven Has Windows.

He and his wife Lashonda have three children.

In addition to helping young people improve their oratorical abilities, Misher said he is not done adding to his own list of literary accomplishments. He is currently “putting the finishing touches” on his fourth book, set for release in April, titled The ABCs of Black Heroes.

“It’s a children’s book from A to Z,” he said. “Each of the letters is for an African-American who has made significant contributions to American culture.”

For more information, call 404-451-7620, or e-mail thepoet73@yahoo.com.