Abiodun Oyewole

Abiodun Oyewole is a poet, author, teacher, and founding member of The Last Poets, the revolutionary spoken-word group that laid the groundwork for hip-hop's emergence.

Born Charles Davis in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in Queens, New York, Oyewole's artistic foundation was built on his parents' jazz and gospel records and the poetry of Langston Hughes. His mother nurtured his vocal abilities by having him recite in their basement until she could hear him clearly in the kitchen. At fifteen, a visit to a Yoruban Temple in Harlem transformed his identity—a priest gave him his African name and sparked a lifelong spiritual connection to Yoruba culture.

On May 19, 1968, the anniversary of Malcolm X's birthday, Oyewole joined David Nelson and Gylan Kain to read poetry honoring Malcolm X, birthing The Last Poets. Their Black Nationalist message resonated powerfully within the African American community. By 1970, they released their debut album featuring the classic "Niggers are Scared of Revolution," influencing politically conscious artists from Marvin Gaye to Public Enemy.

After serving prison time for larceny, Oyewole earned degrees in biology and communications, later receiving an MA in education from Columbia University. He rejoined The Last Poets during their 1990s resurgence and co-authored "On a Mission: Selected Poems and a History of The Last Poets."

Throughout his fifty-year career, Oyewole has published numerous poetry collections with 2Leaf Press, including "Branches of the Tree of Life" and "Black Lives Have Always Mattered." His greatest legacy may be "Sundays @ 110," where for thirty years he has opened his home every Sunday to nurture fellow artists with food, critique, and community.

Oyewole continues writing daily, performing globally, and teaching workshops on poetry, history, and politics.