Hakim Bellamy was the inaugural poet laureate of Albuquerque and is a national and regional Poetry Slam Champion. He holds three consecutive collegiate poetry slam titles at the University of New Mexico and his poetry has been published in Albuquerque inner-city buses and various anthologies. Bellamy was recognized as an honorable mention for the University of New Mexico Paul Bartlett Re Peace Prize for his work as a community organizer and journalist and was recently bestowed the populist honor of “Best Poet” by Local iQ (“Smart List” 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013) and Alibi (“Best of Burque” 2010, 2011 & 2012). He is the co-creator of the multimedia Hip creator of the multimedia Hip Hop theater production Urban Verbs: Hip-Hop Conservatory & Theater that has been staged throughout the country. He facilitates youth writing workshops for schools and community organizations in New Mexico and beyond.

Hakim is currently finishing his MA in Communications and Journalism Department at the University of New Mexico. He is the proud father of a 5 year-old miracle and is the founding president of Beyond Poetry, LLC.

Hakim’s photo by Wes Naman