M.K. Asante



MK Asante (born November 3, 1982) is an African-American poet, non-fiction author, filmmaker, and academic.

Education and professorship
Asante is a graduate of The Crefeld School. He studied film and literature at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies, earned a B.A. in Africana Studies and English from Lafayette College, and an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from UCLA School of Theater Film and Television.

At 23, he joined the faculty of Morgan State University. He received tenure shortly after and is currently Associate Professor of creative writing and film in the Department of English and Language Arts.

Books
Asante is the author of three celebrated books. His most recent book, It's Bigger Than Hip Hop (2008) is creative nonfiction that uses hip hop culture as a vehicle to explore social issues facing the hip hop and post hip hop generations. It's Bigger Than Hip Hop was described by Ari Bloomekatz of The Los Angeles Times as: "'An empowering book that moves you to action and to question status quo America. Reading It's Bigger Than Hip Hop is motoring through a new generation of America with one of its best storytellers.'" His other books are the poetry collections, ''Beautiful. And Ugly Too (2005) and Like Water Running Off My Back'' (2002).

Asante's fourth book, Buck, a memoir about his youth in Philadelphia, will be published by Random House in 2013.

Films
Asante has written, directed, and/or produced three award-winning feature documentary films.
 * Asante wrote and produced 500 Years Later (2005), winner of numerous international film festival prizes as well as the Breaking the Chains Award from the United Nations' UNESCO.
 * Asante directed and produced The Black Candle (2008), a film narrated by Maya Angelou, winner of Best Documentary at the Africa World Documentary Film Festival.
 * Asante produced Motherland (film) (2010), winner of Best Documentary at the Pan African Film Festival and Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Lectures, media appearances, and essays
Asante has lectured in over 25 countries at hundreds of colleges, universities, libraries, film festivals, conferences, and literary festivals.

Asante has appeared on numerous TV and radio programs including the CBS Early Show, CNN, Tom Joyner Morning Show, NPR, and NBC News.

Asante has written essays on art, music, technology, and culture for USA Today, Huffington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, and the New York Times.

Recognitions
He has been described by the Philadelphia Inquirer as "a rare, remarkable talent that brings to mind the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance." He was described by CNN as "a master storyteller and major creative force." He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including the Langston Hughes Award from the Langston Hughes Society and the Key to the City of Dallas, TX.

Awards

 * 2011 Best Documentary (Motherland) - Zanzibar International Film Festival
 * 2010 Board of Director's Best Documentary (Motherland) - Pan African Film Festival
 * 2009 The Key to the City of Dallas, TX
 * 2009 Langston Hughes Award from the Langston Hughes Society
 * 2008 Best Documentary (The Black Candle) - Africa World Documentary Film Festival
 * 2007 Breaking the Chains Award (500 Years Later) - United Nations' UNESCO
 * 2006 Best Documentary (500 Years Later) - Bridgetown Film Festival
 * 2006 Best Int'l Documentary (500 Years Later) - Harlem Int'l Film Festival
 * 2005 Best Documentary (500 Years Later) - Pan African Film Festival
 * 2002 Jean Corrie Poetry Prize from the Academy of American Poets

Quotes

 * "If you make an observation, you have an obligation."

Publications

 * Buck (forthcoming from Random House / Spiegel & Grau 2013)
 * It's Bigger Than Hip Hop (2008)
 * Beautiful. And Ugly Too (2005)
 * Like Water Running Off My Back (2002)

Films

 * 500 Years Later (2005)
 * The Black Candle (2008)
 * Motherland (film) (2010)