Award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr. spoke to students at West Hartford’s Hall High School.

Submitted by Amy Shaffer, Student Activities/Career Center Coordinator, Hall High School

On Friday, Feb. 1, students at William H. Hall High School attended an all-school assembly featuring award winning author, photographer, and poet Charles R. Smith Jr.  

With more than 30 books to his credit, his recognitions include a Coretta Scott King Award for his photographs accompanying the Langston Hughes poem “My People” and a Coretta Scott King Honor for his biography of Muhammad Ali, “12 Rounds to Glory.”

During the assembly, Smith performed poetry from his books and talked about his love of reading at a young age to develop the mind. He then showed how he used the power of the mind to help develop his body to the point he was able to compete on American Ninja Warrior (season 9 in Cleveland).

Lastly, he talked about where he got inspiration to feed the spirit (inspiration for his writing) and how the mind, body and spirit are integral to success.

Smith grew up in California and attended the Brooks Institute of Photography. He is a  magazine and book cover photographer in addition to a picture book creator. He lives with his wife and kids in Poughkeepsie, NY.

The event was sponsored by the Hall PTO.  For more information about Mr. Smith, visit http://charlesrsmithjr.com/.

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