“Poetry Is Freedom, Poetry Is Release, Poetry Is Therapy. In These Moments, It's Only About What Our Heart Feels.”
Andre Saunders
Meet Writers Matter’s Poet in Residence
Andre Saunders is a musical artist and poet from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Roman Catholic High School and attended Howard University. Andre serves as the resident poet for the Writers Matter Program in partnership with La Salle University, working with elementary and middle school students.
Through this partnership, Andre visits schools to provide workshops, motivational speeches, and entertainment. Andre received a certificate of completion for his participation in the Future Corps Leaders Program, with South Philadelphia High School. He has formal training and experience in coaching, project management & event planning, group leadership & facilitation, youth program development, and personal & professional development. For his music, Andre has been featured in magazines and newspapers for his work as well as his songs played on radio and videos played on television. Andre currently has two official albums out and has performed alongside many established and legendary artists. Additionally, he was presented with an official City Council City Of Philadelphia Citation honoring and recognizing him for his work in the music industry.
About Andre…
“As a poet and songwriter, writing has opened many doors for me as well as I have formed many great connections. I am using my platform to help inspire others. I believe that when you have the opportunity to do what you love, you are willing to do the necessary work to achieve your goals. I am passionate about using my voice and talents to be able to have a positive influence and impact. I accept the responsibility that comes with it.
I look forward to not only being a mentor and leader myself but also being able to learn and grow myself as well. I have a hands on approach, but I give students the level of freedom to be themselves while having a fun yet productive experience.”
Andre Saunders
Andre’s Work
“It is important to empower young writers. Creative writing helps young students find themselves and their voices. Writing can be very therapeutic. Writing allows you to look at the world through your own eyes and allows you to find your own light. It can provide a healing source. It shows us our dreams and our aspirations as well as our flaws and vulnerabilities.
Creative writing can be very influential. There is no perfect way to write, just our own individual way that works best for us. Writing joins people together physically, spiritually and emotionally. Even beyond words, there is a feeling that it has the power to give. Writing helps us deal with real and deeper issues not only within ourselves but also others. There are no boundaries or limitations of topics when writing.”
A message from Andre on his work in schools:
Each school gets a unique program designed by myself and my partner, DJ Will. We are open to teachers assisting in designing and building the program for their specific schools. Our programs usually start with a brief introduction/warm up to get students engaged. We bring along special guests to each school, whether being an entertainer, designer, influencer, dancer etc. We gage how active students are, allowing us to determine how we roll out the activities for the day. Most schools are familiar with our program or have been prepared by teachers in advance in what they will need for the day.
We allow willing students to come on stage and present and perform their writing. I along with our special guest present our material. We engage in group discussions with students to allow them to share whatever is on their minds and what has influenced them as well as us. We share our stories about how we have reached the places we have. We encourage them to continue to work hard inside and outside of school. We also have a group Q & A to answer any questions they may have. We like to end programs with a segment we like to call party time. This is where our resident DJ, DJ Will, gets his turn; he plays their favorite songs allowing them to dance and enjoy themselves after a successful program. Lastly we pass out materials and special gifts to students, sign autographs for them, and take group pictures.
The entire experience is something you have to be present for in order to truly understand its significance. We can tell you or you can read about it, but it doesn't do justice to the impact and how it resonates with students.
For more content, you can visit Andre’s Linktree here, or you can follow him on Instagram.