Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam-Featured Poet Michael "Warrior" Bonds

$10

Door 7

Michael Warrior Bonds is an internationally respected spoken word artist, award-winning poet, educator, motivational speaker, author, and revered elder statesman in his Roxbury, Boston community. Known for his electrifying presence and deeply resonant performances, Michael’s work has been described as “passionate,” “moving,” “captivating,” and “powerful.” His unique style—often stepping off the stage to engage directly with his audience—has earned him the nickname “the poet with Hyperactive Attention Deficit Disorder.”

Michael holds an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University/Bauder and has facilitated spoken word and empowerment workshops across the U.S. and internationally. In 2008, he received the Best Spoken Word Album award at the New England Urban Music Awards. He has twice been honored as a Boston Community Warrior by the Institute for Pan African Cultural Education Inc. (P.A.C.E)/Defensive Arts Training (D.A.T.) and the Nation of Islam, in 2003 and 2011.

In 2023, Michael served as Artist-in-Residence at the West End Boys & Girls Club in Allston-Brighton, MA, and led a transformative three-month workshop at Brockton High School’s Promise College, teaching 37 students the art of spoken word poetry.

A self-published author, Michael has released two acclaimed poetry collections: “Gunz, Poems & Rosez” and “The Write.” He has also mentored youth and adults in publishing their own works. His poetry has been featured in numerous anthologies and magazines, including Bandana Republic, edited by the late literary icon Louis Reyes Rivera and HBO Def Poetry co-founder Bruce George. His film appearances include the award-winning documentary The 2006 Red Bull Word Clash Film.

Michael has shared stages with legendary figures such as Askia Touré (co-founder of the Black Arts Movement), Reggie Gibson (inspiration for the film Love Jones), gospel icon Tramaine Hawkins, and R&B star CeCe Peniston. In 2019, he was named Most Valuable Poet and Grand Champion at the Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam, and in 2023, he was inducted into its Hall of Fame.

His media appearances include Chronicle (ABC News Channel 5 WCVB), Good Mornin’ Barbados, and a performance at Cricket Legends in Barbados. Michael also founded and curated a celebration of National Black Poetry Day in honor of Jupiter Hammon, America’s first published Black poet.

In 2025, Michael continued to expand his reach and impact:

• He performed at the San Francisco Public Library, sponsored by the SPUC (Spoken Word Poets United Collective).
• He delivered a powerful performance for MathWorks and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
• He served as Keynote Speaker at Nowell Academy in Providence, Rhode Island.
• He became the host of The Cipher: Art of Poetry, a dynamic platform celebrating poetic expression and community dialogue.

Michael also hosts Just Spit, a biweekly open mic in downtown Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and is the founder and creative director of POEMS Boston, a vibrant social media platform dedicated to booking, promoting, and celebrating poets and the art of spoken word across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Threads.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Michael is passionate about strength training and boxing, disciplines that reflect his commitment to personal growth, discipline, and resilience—qualities that also shine through in his poetry and mentorship.

Michael Warrior Bonds continues to inspire, uplift, and empower through his words, his presence, and his unwavering dedication to community and culture.

Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam

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