Blaq Ice: A Voice For The Voiceless, A Poet For The People

April is National Poetry Month! In this specific realm of spoken word, few poets command the stage with the intensity and purpose that Blaq Ice brings to every performance and piece he creates.

With over forty years of experience, this Chicago-based poet and activist has transformed his passion for poetry into a powerful force towards social change. De’Andre Hawthorne, also known as Blaq Ice, has applied his craft to uplift his community through portraying the struggles of the oppressed.

“I started writing poetry when I saw the photos in the Christian literature my mother would bring home from her church. During my elementary school years, already a lover of the R&B groups of that time, I began entering talent shows, showcasing my entertainment skills. It was not until 1985, that I first fell in love with Hip Hop,” said Hawthorne.

Blaq Ice’s unique style of poetry has changed the whole world of spoken word poetry altogether. His intricate diction has led to being given multiple awards, for Blaq Ice’s impact extends beyond arts and entertainment alone.

He has made significant contributions to communities across America through his artist/activist movement, P.O.E.T. This movement has led to inspiring thousands of day-to-day individuals to use their gifts to by doing extraordinary work within their communities.

Blaq Ice’s journey into the world of poetry began long before he ever stepped onto a stage.

“In November 2000, inspired by a stage show produced by Strawberri Taylor (Queen of Erotic Poetry) earlier that year, I entered the spoken word poetry scene in Chicago,” said Hawthorne. “Not wanting to use my hip-hop name, Ice Cold, I searched for a new stage name for my spoken word career. One day, a coworker, aware of my rap roots and intending to be condescending, called me “black ass Ice.” This sparked an idea, leading me to adopt the name Black Ice as my new stage name.”

Later, he changed the spelling to Blaq Ice.

As a poet, Blaq Ice’s identity is deeply rooted in his experiences, both personal and society-based.

“Growing up in Englewood, I had to grind for everything I accomplished,” he mentioned. “That same energy fuels my art and my activism.”

Blaq Ice’s poetry is not only a reflection of his path but also a response to challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly within the Black community. Whether it comes to addressing social inequalities within local communities or broader social and political struggles that affect those of color, Blaq Ice embraces and uses his voice to speak truth to power, to expose injustices, as well as to provoke thought in those who feel they can’t.

He’s a known legend in Chicago’s hip-hop community, as Blaq Ice is known for turning his words into actions.

Blaq Ice has been awarded numerous times throughout his career. This includes 6 National Poetry Awards, 4 Spoken Word Magazine Awards, 5 Chicago Music Awards, and 2 Dubceez Humanitarian Awards. He also received a 2018 Langston Hughes Award, a 2017 Game Changer Award, and a 2016 Icon Award. Alongside all these accomplishments, he also won the 312 Music Award for Best Poet at the 3rd Annual 312 Music Awards in 2025.

Blaq Ice has confronted issues such as race, identity, empowerment, and injustice within his poetry work. He sees his pieces as being both personal and political. This creates a balance that allows him to connect with audiences on multiple levels.

“Writers have always been storytellers,” Hawthorne said. “We provide the narrative that’s often missing from mainstream discourse. I want people to hear the truth, to understand the complexities of our world, and to recognize that our stories matter.”

Blaq Ice has quite a busy upcoming schedule, ranging from his new book release having just recently came out, My Poetry Book of Bible Stories. This book focuses on a perspective taken from how he had grown up with his mothers teachings through reimagining classic Bible tales and offering a fresher, bolder standpoint than what is usually portrayed within a book of Bible stories.

When reflecting on Blaq Ice’s poetry in the future, he hopes to be remembered for his contributions towards the spoken word community, his role in advocating for social justice, and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists.

Above all, Hawthorne hopes they will remember that his work was about more than just performance; it was about creating a space for those who have unheard voices, telling untold stories, and empowering others to speak their truth.

As National Poetry Month closes, Blaq Ice’s message rings louder than ever — poetry is not just an art form, it’s also a form of activism and a reflection of the world; all the right and wrong.