“In my head, and from a writer’s perspective, writers are Gods. We create and we destroy. . .”
taken from Gods Mourn Too
Stephen Earley Jordan II
Narrative Architect &
Multidisciplinary Artist
Ink, Ideas & Identity
I was born in Iaeger, West Virginia and raised in Huntington, West Virginia. I attended Alderson-Broaddus College, where I earned a BA in Writing, and a BA in Literature and have taken graduate courses at Marshall University before he moved to New York City. In 2009, I was awarded the Most Outstanding Youth Alumni Award issued by Alderson-Broaddus College, recognizing alumni who have rendered outstanding service to individuals who have demonstrated achievement in their chosen career.
Professionally, I work as a Senior Managing Editor in pharmaceutical marketing, where I oversee a team of 30 editors, editorial processes, and the development of written materials within a highly regulated environment.
In the early 2000s, taking the advice of my mentor and soon friend, the late Nikki Giovanni, I began to self-produce and market my own writing and creative work. As a result, I have been an active public speaker and educator, presenting at small venues and institutions including Marshall University, The Ohio State University, Alderson-Broaddus College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and West Virginia University–sponsored events. My program, “Are You Bougie: Being Progressive in the Black Community,” blended original poetry and critical discussion in an “edutainment” format, engaging students on issues of race, class, and gender. In addition to these speaking engagements, I have facilitated creative nonfiction writing workshops across these academic settings, fostering creative expression and dialogue among students.
My creative work extends into both literary, audio, and visual forms. My most recent publication appears in the Chicago Quarterly Review. I have written and directed “Silent Night” featuring Broadway actress, Kimberly Marable (The Lion King, Hadestown, Kinky Boots); written and directed two short, independent, award-winning experimental films, Black Ariel (2018) and Goldie (2019), further demonstrating my interest in storytelling across mediums. While living in New York City, I produced and hosted a monthly independent spoken-word series, “Thick Hemp Noose,” incorporating live music—including guitar and vocals—to create an immersive space for showcasing my work.
Books
BEYOND BOUGIE
This collection transcends race with dynamic creative nonfiction, essays and poetry. Together these writings reveal cultural contrasts wrought by economical, sexual, and ethnic differences.
COLD, BLACK, AND HUNGRY
A raw, real, and unremorseful literary attack on society. This electrifying voice delivers judgment on human existence in an animalistic, compelling, and clear-sighted perspective.
AMERICAN MOTHERFUCKER
While this collection has sincere tributes to James Baldwin and JD Salinger and sprinkled with references of romance, other selections still have the trademarked poems of suffering and shame brought…
5 MACABRE TALES
Truth disturbs. But other times, not knowing the answer is what causes a man’s demise. Together these haunting tales expose psychological demons and secrets of manhood. These tales are cryptic...
Gods Mourn Too
Jordan discusses issues most central to him as a writer, childhood development and influence, stereotypes in the condition of a writer, and embracing the psychological aspects. . .
Ebooks
A SHADE COMING UPON US
Filled with mysticism, symbolism, and Christian motifs, this tale holds a mirror to the face of society and demonstrates the toxicity of boyhood bullying and the psychological imprisonment that comes...
THE HUMAN
CATHETER
A modern allegory, this is a brief tale of hope, strength, humanity, and taboo, offering a devastating inspection of a relationship between a father and son which symbolizes the foundation…
FERAL
CHILD
Here, the Moreno, a feral child, is born into a world where language is never spoken, abuse is normal, and as a survival mechanism becomes the unfathomable. Man’s shame becomes…
THE JEW OF CONDADO
A short tale of commitment and faith; betrayal and perversion; and teaches that, at times, faith alone is not enough to keep one alive when you have no idea of…
The Moving Canvas
I have had the opportunity of diving into producing various films. From writing, producing, or simply creative direction, I have challenged myself with new, innovative projects and open to collaboration.
2016
“Grown Past You”—Stephen Earley Jordan II was the Writer and Creative Director of this thought-provoking video, with its tribal theme gives the impression of “you don’t know me anymore” feeling from an unrequited love. Mixed with spoken words versus raw video imagery and afrocentric costumes by O’Neal Wyche. Vocals by April Hill; Background vocals, Kimberly Marable; Music Production, Marlon Saunders; Writing/Creative Direction, Stephen Earley Jordan II; Director, Adolphus Amissah; Costumes, O’Neal Wyche; Makeup, Oscar Caballero; Jewelry, Lynore Routte.
“The People Are Ready to Dance Again” by Marlon Saunders, is an upbeat socially conscious song and video, motivating individuals to become proactive in positive changes despite what we may experience in our daily lives. Encouraging the listener to “change the way the story ends”, Marlon lends the mic to Soul/R&B legend Tawatha Agee, who moves the listener on this rhythmic journey. The video features the talents of Creative Director Stephen Earley Jordan II; Director Adolphus Amissah; and Stylist O’Neal Wyche.
“Silent Night”—“Silent Night” featuring Kimberly Marable, is an experimental, mixed-media artistic project, adding a cultural twist with a modern message, depicting the hardships of being born Black in America today. Produced by Music Producer, Marlon Saunders; Writer/Creative Director, Stephen Earley Jordan II; and Costume Designer, O’Neal Wyche.
2018
“Black Ariel” was concepted by Stephen Earley Jordan II after Puerto Rico endured Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This short fashion film has been entered in several film festivals for 2018 and the full video is not currently available for viewing. Inspired by the aftermath of the hurricanes, cultural, biblical, literary, and mythologic references, Stephen created an image of a strong woman, a mermaid (Ariel) coming from the sea to give hope to mankind. But will there be a cost? Intricate costume designs by O’Neal Wyche accent Ariel’s unwaning strength as she exudes fervor with every scene.
2019
“Goldie” was written and directed by Stephen Earley Jordan II. Loosely influenced by “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” fairytale + and the tale of the Three Wise Men, we find lead character, Goldie, a young female in a home that doesn’t belong to her. Three men find Goldie who is then coaxed into unexpected events much more complex than she can handle; and more sinister than she imagined. With the interaction of each man, she remembers her own troubled past, finds strength and clashes with them appropriately as her existence emerges.
“Goldie” deals with human trafficking and sexual abuse, artistically and experimentally. This film expresses the emotional spiral of one woman who finds redemption.
spoken & Heard
Please click on each individual image to purchase from Amazon.
Built on Canvas
