Malcolm London facts for kids

Malcolm London is an American poet, teacher, and musician. He is also known as an "artivist," which means he uses his art to speak up for important causes and make a difference in the world.

Growing Up and Discovering Poetry

Malcolm London was born in 1993. He grew up in a neighborhood called Austin on the west side of Chicago. He started writing poems when he was 12 years old. He went to Lincoln Park High School.

When he was in his second year of high school, Malcolm won an award. This was at the Louder Than A Bomb youth poetry competition. This competition helps young poets share their work. When he was 20, he gave a TED talk. During this talk, he read part of his poem called "High School Training Grounds."

After finishing high school in 2011, Malcolm started working. He worked with Kevin Coval, who is also a poet and teacher. Kevin Coval helped start the Louder Than A Bomb poetry festival. Malcolm was paid to help an organization called Young Chicago Authors. He would visit schools and lead poetry workshops for students.

Malcolm London's Career and Performances

In 2012, Malcolm London worked with actor Matt Damon. This was for an event called "The People Speak Live!". Malcolm also appeared on a TV show called "Verses & Flow." He read a poem called "The First Time in a While." This poem was about a friend who had been killed in a fight. Malcolm was the youngest poet to be on the show for its first three seasons.

Malcolm has been part of several TED Talks. He has appeared with famous people like John Legend and Bill Gates. He has also hosted events and performed with other artists. These include Chance the Rapper and Lupe Fiasco.

His poetry performances have taken place at many well-known venues. These include the Chicago Jazz Festival and the Du Sable Museum. He has also performed at the Vic Theater, The Metro, and The Chicago Theater.

Malcolm was a co-leader for the Chicago group of the Black Youth Project 100. He has also helped the Chicago Public Schools. He was a member of a group called UCAN's National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention. This group works to prevent violence among young people.

Some of Malcolm London's most famous poems include "High School Training Ground,” "Never Too Late,” and “Why You Talk Like That.”

Malcolm London's Activism

In 2015, Malcolm London was involved in a protest. This protest was about a serious incident involving Laquan McDonald. Malcolm was a leader in the Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100). This group helped organize the protests.