African-American history holds an abundance of poetry and exciting ways to express it, when ‘MiddleSoul” was conceived, a poet was born. Born on September 15, 1986, with medical challenges that would take months to overcome, Danny and Jacqueline Davis would eventually take their son, Daniel Jonathan (D.J.) Davis home – it was a day they never thought would happen. Although his debut into the world provided obstacles, his strong relationship with God would not stop the vivid dreams for his future. Growing up in Lynwood, IL and attending elite schools like Thornton Fractional South helped him to become the writer he is today. MiddleSoul’s style of writing evolved into its own with the guidance of his freshman teacher, Mr. Darrah.

D.J. “MiddleSoul” Davis is a Chicago based African-American poet, writer, speaker and publisher. Choosing to focus on relationship issues and writing with a “In Love” style, MiddleSoul as he is known in the poetry scene, considers his work to be therapeutic for those who seek guidance in trouble relationships. D.J.’s words have been given many titles – deep, inspiring, passionate, soulful and loving. Eventually, he realized that he needed to evolve as a writer and explore writing beyond poetry. He began to write plays and even started acting. D.J. has also written skits as a member of the Youth Expressing Christ-Collegian Drama Club at Christ Universal Temple.

 In the 90s, D.J.’s work was published on poetry.com, The American Poets Society and the poem, Production of Pain, in a magazine entitled ‘Envision’. The early successes were exciting and fueled his dream of writing his own book, Da Poems. Also, during this time, he met a group of young men, ‘The Magnificent Seven’ that embodied the same burning desire that he had for poetry. The Magnificent Seven, named by Dr. K (a teacher that inspired D.J. to become a poet), included John Bergin, Jeff Lein, Cory Malmarik, Osvaldo Murillo, Mike Rauen and Dr. K along with D.J. Davis. They met after school to discuss their poetry. Each poet’s writing style was unique and an inspiration to the group. During his junior and senior years, “MiddleSoul branched out and began to perform at open mic shows in the Chicago area.

In the year 2000, Majoring in Creative Writing at Columbia College in Chicago with an emphasis in Poetry encouraged MiddleSoul to keep striving to the top. While attending Columbia, he immediately immersed himself in student organizations and worked with both faculty and students to help with the progression of his book Da Poems. One organization in particular connected him with well-respected writers, the Columbia College Association of Black Journalists.

In 2012, MiddleSoul’s book, “Da Poems” was published by JL King Publishing LLC and took the social media world by storm. It is his sincerest hope that his words capture reader’s hearts and lead them to check out his future release: Life, Love, & Soul.

In 2013, MiddleSoul was featured in several publications, like The Hype Magazine. The article was entitled, POETRY AND HIP HOP, an interview with D.J. “MiddleSoul” Davis and highlighted the accomplishments of his career.  MiddleSoul will be exploring new and creative ways of introducing you to his different styles of writing. Also, he conducts a daily blogging session called “My Thoughts” on his website, www.middlesoultheauthor.net .

ULON has long awaited his arrival, and will promote his work on all levels to bring you the “best” polished “Middle Soul” the World has awaited…

In closing, MiddleSoul believes that when God gives you a dream that is his way of showing you a blueprint to your destiny. MiddleSoul is back to not just dreaming, but living those dreams.

ULON WELCOMES HIM*** WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MIDDLE SOUL

*****************************************************************************************

Every Wed I co-host the In One Ear open mic one of the longest running shows in Chicago, about 30 years by now, at the Heartland Cafe. Sign ups 9:00 all varieties of art welcome.

Every second Sat Caffeinated Confessions poetry open mic 6:30 at Everybodys Coffee this is an all ages open Every 4th Friday The Elevator Sessions at the Justin Pauly Art  Studio 318 W Grand Ave starts at 8:00

The people presently publishing me are the good folks at Sweet Wolverine in Cali, they have a facebook page.