Using His God Given Talents To Uplift Others; Underscore Enlightened Us As To Why The Youth, His Spirituality and The Performing Arts Incited Him To Be A Positive Force In His Community.

By: Source

Hello Underscore! I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to interview you. You are definitely a major force in the spoken word community and we are honored to touch bases with you on a personal note.

Source: I know that you are very busy these days because you have your hands involved in so many things. Can you tell me where you get your inspiration from which inspires you to remain so active in your community?

Underscore: Inspiration comes from God, daily life encounters and most importantly my upbringing. Spending the first ten years of my life in Haiti and the rest of my childhood in Miami (Little Haiti) have left me with some experiences that will forever motivate me.

Source: How long have you been performing as a spoken word artist on a professional level?

Underscore: I started writing in 2001 and professionally performing since 2002.

Source: Give us some background on how your CD (The Base, The Chase, The Place) came about. What producers and/or artist have you worked with to bring this project into existence?

Underscore: The CD was a journey. The project was a testament of my life experiences from The Base (the beginning, where it all got started); The Chase (from birth we're all being chased by death) and The Place (where we end up after life ends on this earth). Of course I worked with my foundational team: THE MAROONS and Harold "Ti Harold" St Louis, a VERY talented multi-faceted musician, produced the entire CD.

Source: What is your favorite track? Why?

Underscore: Honestly it's hard to choose. Whenever I think I like one better, I fall in love with another the following week. The entire CD is tight; I'm not just saying that because it's my work, it seems to speak to me every time I listen to it.

Source: I know you are very dedicated in uplifting the youth. Together with Proverbs Ministry and Island Faith Production, Inc, you have successfully created a rest haven where aspiring youth could learn more about theatre, culture, poetry and music through inspirational events. What is like to see the youth grasp your message and flourish into artistic individuals?

Underscore: It's a beautiful thing. I never thought I'd be in such a position coming out of college. I see myself in these kids; the only difference being they have a medium to exploit their God given talents as opposed to me getting in trouble when I was their age. Once they're exposed to the arts, they end up loving it more than they thought they would.

Source: You are the founder of P.H.I.R.S.T. Impressionz (a monthly spoken word event) which is credited for hosting the first Haitian-American “open mic” event in South Florida. How has this event been received by your community? What were some of the struggles you faced in putting this event together?

Underscore: The event was received pretty well. It took some time to pick up because poetry is an acquired taste; it's not something that people will flock to like the clubs. It's a great thing that I was able to start it in a church auditorium because it stood out from every other venue. The format is challenging because every month a topic is chosen for the performers to write on so it keeps your writing sharp and interesting.

Source: Tell us little bit about the Guerdy Felix Foundation Scholarship and your role in assuring the success of this program.

Underscore: The Foundation was named after a very close friend of mine who passed away in 2001. She was a high school social worker and very passionate about the education of the youth. Since 2001, every year two scholarships are awarded to two high school seniors to further their educations. The bulk of the funds are normally raised at coffee houses and other events that my team and I produce.

Source: I‘ve seen you perform on many occasions with the Maroons which I consider to be a dynamic poetry troupe. Who are the other members and what goals did you guys set out to achieve by forming this group.

Underscore: The current members are Prosper "Makendal" Sylvain and Roland "Eros" Cherasard. Our goal is to educate the masses about our culture, beauty and history of Haiti. To erase the negative stereotypes that has been stamped on our people. We perform in English, Kreyol, French to make sure the message is relayed and understood by many. We're working on spanish next, lol... In addition to working with various youth and after school programs in Dade County, we've also adopted 4 schools in Haiti to send school supplies and clothes to in order for the students to have opportunities to learn.

Source: Giving your Haitian background, what is your take on Haiti’s current situation? Where would you like see Haiti in the 5 to 10 years?

Underscore: My take on Haiti’s situation is that we need to bring security back to the island by having properly trained officers and officials. We need leaders who genuinely care for the people, the country and are willing to do whatever it takes to eradicate the bad seeds that are keeping us from being fruitful. In 5 to 10 years, I'd like to see more stability that will allow people and businesses to flourish in the Western Hemisphere's most historic nation.

Source: What do you do for fun in your spare time?

Underscore: I like to work out and listen to music. Those things keep me calm and balance. I also spend time with those closest to me because they keep me grounded.

Source: You wear many hats such as author of Reflections of Dive Intellect, spoken word artist, promoter and performer; what’s the next stage for Underscore?

Underscore: To take one of those hats and master it. If there’s a way to combine all of those into one pot, Underscore will find it. The next stage is to expose my talents and ministry to people across the country.

Source: What is one thing that you would like to share with our audience that we have not discussed in this interview?

Underscore: God is the center of it all. I've lived my life with and without God and I can tell you that he gives you an inner peace that no one can take away. Although the godly lifestyle is the hardest style alive, I'm willing to go for the ride because it's vanity on the other side. I'm about to write a poem up in here!

For more info on Underscore, please visit: www.islandfaith.com or http://www.myspace.com/underscore305