Jeffrey Dessources a.k.a. MrJeffDess is a writer, professor, public speaker and emcee of Haitian descent who hails from the Big Apple of New York City. Expression is his main tool towards achieving excellence. Those tools come in a numbers of shapes and forms.

The POET
MrJeffDess hit the poetic scene with full force in 2001 at St. John’s University. His college career included trips to every open mic and poetic show on the campus. Over the years he has blessed microphones everywhere from acclaimed poetry spots (Nuyorican’s Poet’s Café) to national conferences (NEBLSA Northeast Regional Conference) to some of the largest universities in the nation (Princeton University).

His first collection of poetry do not hold doors (2006) address the challenges and issues experienced by younger members of a Post Soul Generation. Using a variety of poetic styles the text provides an important critique on society and culture. His second book of poetry released in 2008 channeled the ancient Japanese poetic form known as the haiku. Haiku from the Home of Reverend Mofo Jones has modernized a traditional art form and introduced it to a brand new audience. For his latest poetic experience MrJeffDess paid homage to Michael Jackson by writing 100 in depth haiku a week after his death, in one sitting and released the independently published chap book Haiku from Beyond Neverland.

The SCHOLAR
While at St. John’s University Jeffrey received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Literature. This passion for the educational experience also led him into the classroom as an English Professor most recently at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. While teaching writing and poetry classes he brought a level of unbridled enthusiasm into the academic world. His critiques and writings have appeared in a number of scholarly journals and he has also presented his work at literary conferences.

The PUBLIC SPEAKER
Talking the talk is essential and as a public speaker Jeffrey follows through while specializing in the topics of leadership development, motivational techniques and self awareness. Honing these skills from his early days of a former high school student body president, Jeffrey has over ten years of training and experience. Speaking to various age groups his voice has touched upper echelon communities to correctional facilities each time with the purpose of increasing the pool of great leaders of tomorrow.

The EMCEE
MrJeffDess’ first words were probably spit from the crib with a drum in the background. Rhyming has always and will always continue to be a passion of his. Throughout his years on the mic he has opened for some of the dopest artists including Common, Kanye West and 112. MrJeffDess is back in the recording studio and working on a new Hip Hop and poetically infused project.

…OVERTIME
MrJeffDess continues to push the limits of creativity with his latest movement FUNK Shui. These eclectic events combine his poetry with the music of reggae band Under the Rasta Influence, along with live painting from acclaimed artists Concep, Amanda Diva, Pesu and Rizz22 for a positive fusion of artistic movement.

MrJeffDess has also decided to throw his hat into world of fiction. His new website www.writemeifyoucan.com is an interactive online novel that includes the readers as part of the process. Readers contribute to storylines, character names and more as MrJeffDess writes the entire novel right in front of their eyes. This fresh and new experiment is more proof of how MrJeffDess is willing to take innovative steps towards creative excellence and expression.

MrJeffDess has always used a pen, a pad and a microphone towards becoming a voice of PEACE LOVE and FUNK. If you haven’t heard it, now is the time to listen up. It’s never too late!