Blaq Ice is an award-winning American poet and International Spoken Word artist. A true creative force, he’s a captivating entertainer, lecturer, producer, promoter, videographer, and graphic designer. As a published author, mentor, and activist, he has redefined the spoken word landscape. Known as the Father of the Chicago Poet Laureate, Blaq Ice’s monumental contributions to American and Chicago poetry continue to inspire and ignite audiences worldwide.
In 2000, Blaq Ice saw the need for change in his community and ran for political office in the 17th Ward in the city of Chicago. He made history as the 1st Hip Hop/ Spoken Word poet artist to run political office in Chicago. His campaign slogan read, " Tradition has gotten us where we are, change will carry us into the future".
Blaq Ice made history, as part of the Black Heroes Matter Movement, he was largely responsible in the renaming of one of Chicago's historic streets, Lake Shore Drive. He led the rallying cry with his poem, BLACK HEROES MATTER. The poem is about Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, the Founder of Chicago, who had been denied his proper acknowledgement for 200 years. This movement, led by Ephraim Martin, successfully got the street name changed from Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptist Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive
De'Andre Hawthorne, also known as Blaq Ice, holds the distinction of being the driving force behind the establishment of the Chicago Poet Laureate. In a historic move, he successfully advocated for the position by engaging with Chicago 17th Ward Alderman David Moore who brought it to the city council in 2022. Through persistent efforts, including numerous phone calls and emails, Blaq Ice's dedication culminated in the appointment of Avery Young as Chicago's inaugural poet laureate on April 24, 2023. Beyond achieving a significant milestone, Blaq Ice's pivotal role has not only solidified his status as the Father of the Chicago Poet Laureate, but has also created a lasting impact by opening doors for future generations in the poetry and Spoken Word community.
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