The Ohio State University at Marion is inviting the campus and the community to a free “edutainment” event on campus featuring author and cultural critic Stephen Earley Jordan II, who will present, “Are You Bougie?”, Tuesday, November 17, 7 p.m., Morrill Hall Auditorium.
“Are You Bougie?” confronts issues of race, class, and gender. The presentation echoes his literary works of creative nonfiction, poetry, and essays and was specifically designed for colleges and universities. Black-on-Black discrimination, the foundation of Black Americans and specific traditions, the history of self-loathing among Black Americans, and progressivism will be addressed. “Are You Bougie?” is an invigorating and inspiring call for action to reach your full potential and not accept less. The audience gains insight to cultural misconceptions as Stephen Early Jordan II takes you on a unique cultural journey.
Stephen Earley Jordan II is the author of Beyond Bougie (2006), and Cold, Black, and Hungry (August 2007)--- collections of creative nonfiction, essays, and poetry on race, class, and gender issues. A West Virginia native, Jordan graduated from private Baptist-affiliated Alderson-Broaddus College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. Soon after graduation, he enrolled into graduate-level courses studying writing and educational research.
After a year of graduate studies, Jordan moved to New York City with faith that he would become established as a writer and editor. Landing his first New York City job as a financial editor on Wall Street, he offered writing/editing consultation to education publishers and universities, travel magazines, encyclopedias, websites, and various pharmaceutical advertising agencies.
“I see myself as an educator, even though I don’t teach in a classroom,” Jordan said.
“Writing allows me to educate my readers to our own deep-rooted hidden agendas, whether it’s with my creative writing, nonfiction, or poetry,” he added.
“I write about real life people and our uncomfortable circumstances,” Jordan explained. “People rarely want to talk about these issues, but we must recognize these issues if we want to progress in life. This is why I write.”
Stephen Earley Jordan II currently works as a copyeditor, tours with his book, and is a frequent guest speaker on college campuses across the country. He is also the host of The Bougie Black Show podcast--- featuring music and discussions on race, class, and gender. He resides in Bronx, New York.
