Darius Simpson | Proximity | Opening Poetry Performance | SkollWF 2018

Award-winning spoken word poet and activist Darius Simpson opened up this year's Skoll World Forum with a provocative performance that beautifully expresses the power of proximity. Watch as he delivers his stirring poem, visualized by a mixed-media animation.
"There's an electricity in proximity, in our willingness to get close, to be wronged out loud and keep pushing, to grapple our own demons in public, to love the world so hard you start to remember how close we actually are."
Darius Simpson is an award-winning spoken word artist, writer, proud wearer of crocs, and social justice activist born in Akron, Ohio. He received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Eastern Michigan University. During his time there, as a coach and participant, he led the EMU slam poetry team to consecutive championships at the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI). He uses poetry as a tool with which to heal, inform, and challenge his audience in their awareness of social, political, and economic oppression.
dariussimpsonspeaks.com
About the Skoll World Forum:
Each year, nearly 1,000 of the world’s most influential social entrepreneurs, key thought leaders, and strategic partners gather at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School to exchange ideas, solutions, and information. The Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship is the premier international platform for advancing entrepreneurial approaches and solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
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Video Credits:
Poetry/Performance: Darius Simpson
Director: Gabriel Diamond
Producer: Phil Collis
Editor: Patrick Barnes
Animation: Jason Carpenter
Choreography: Erika Shuch
Music composition: Bobby Brinkerhoff

[@jasonlim3371]

Wow. this is so beautiful. it really tugged on my heartstrings!!! thank you for posting this. 🙏🙏🙏

[@nicholaskoenig4409]

I would have to agree with you sir. This is indeed very inspirational.

[@Rodongamsy.2.0]

I love this poem

[@jadytea7417]

Wow, this is beautiful, I can't explain it, but it's so beautiful it made me cry because of the truths he spoke of.

[@ezrarosey3602]

it’s so emotional wow

[@ignaciaabrau3238]

I love this...

[@violababirye7155]

Beautiful performance

[@whaevy5293]

More people should see this. How are there >200 likes

[@jillkaol6957]

Ma'am abrau

[@m32too]

Sweet!!

[@galacticlola2168]

Who here was given this for homework

[@zellfane7771]

Me and the boys in class. Lol

[@makoydakuykoy]

I don't think those are mustard seeds. Great performance though!