When John Uzodinma first walks on stage at the Mississippi Public Broadcasting studio, he is calm, reserved and maybe even a little shy. But once he begins to speak the words from Langston Hughes’ “Theme For English B,” he straightens his shoulders and his voice grows more intense. Uzodinma doesn’t just say the words, he performs them; he becomes them.
Last month, Uzodinma, 15, a student at Rosa Scott High School, won the state Poetry Out Loud contest after competing with other high school students to memorize, recite and perform famous poetry. After winning the state contest, Uzodinma attended the national competition with 52 high school students–of which he was the youngest–in Washington, D.C.
Getting Uzodinma to talk about his wins in the Out Loud program is no easy feat. He tells the story of his journey with Out Loud quickly and modestly, while smiling and occasionally glancing down at his half-eaten chicken biscuit.
But after a little bit more prying, Uzodinma begins to talk about how the contest has given him a new appreciation for poetry.
“It’s a long process, but then you find that one poem that connects with you, and you feel like you can embody (it) in a great way,” he says.
When Uzodinma becomes quiet again, his mother, Cynthia, picks up the conversation.
“He’s nervous. I can tell he’s nervous because he keeps looking over at me. But we are so proud of John and all of his accomplishments. We’re a close-knit family,” she says, smiling warmly at her son.
With a little bit more prompting Uzodinma then begins to list his other academic and extracurricular involvements, which next school year include being a member of three different choirs and playing trumpet in Madison Central High School’s band. He also plays the trumpet for the highly selective Mississippi Lions Band and will perform with them this summer in Australia.
“And I also play the violin,” he says, as he finishes his long list of achievements. The violin, which he has played for seven years, turns out to be what it takes to get Uzodinma really excited.
Uzodinma’s parents never pushed him toward playing a musical instrument, but he inexplicably gravitated to the violin. His natural aptitude is the main reason Uzodinma’s family believes his musical talent is a gift and a blessing. And as soon as he began to learn, his family and everyone who heard him play quickly recognized that his musical interest would turn into a lifelong love.
“I want to go to Julliard, and I want to be a concert soloist. I really love music,” he says determinedly.
Previous Comments
John, indeed, is an exceptional student. He makes everyone proud!
#158114 | Author: GratefulJTE | Date: Jun 9 2010
Wish John could perform June 26th for Arks Klassical Inc at the University Club downtown at 7 pm. He would inspire the youth in the audience.
#158134 | Author: Meredith | Date: Jun 10 2010
I know the proud parents and Grandmother of this fine, talented and humble young man. Needless to say, he is the product of fine stock: His grandfather, now deceased, was Dr.John Uzodinma: Well known scientist from UMC and Jackson State University. My hats goes off to the JFP for bringing this story to the readership of our community. We hear so many negative stories daily about the criminal activity of the young African-American male. This young man, John Uzodinma, reminds us that there are great kids doing great things and it is expected that only greater opportunities will follow. John, GREAT JOB!
#158135 | Author: justjess | Date: Jun 10 2010
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.