Recession Makes MTV Star Go Homeless.
Staff Writer
2009-04-22
.bugnews.bloggieblog.com .
Apollo Poetry was on the verge of living the dream life just a few years ago. He had an MTV documentary that was seen by over 10 million people and a record deal that got him his first house at 21; a dream come true for a young man who survived homelessness as a teenager and fought his way to become a success.
After the music industry failed him, he landed a Director of Marketing position for online giant Dizzler.com and went on to become the Vice President of a large non-profit. At such a young age, Apollo was accomplishing more than most of us can dream of. But at the end of 2008, he did the unthinkable. He gave up his high status job, purchased a van, and…well, he moved in.
So is this a story about a man who got frustrated with his 9 to 5 job and lost it? Not quite.
You see, Apollo decided to let go of everything he ever knew to answer a much higher calling, one that would allow him to not only live in the moment, but inspire millions.
Ever since we were young, how many of us promised ourselves that we were going to backpack through Europe someday? How many of us had dreams of adventure and a sense that there is more to life than meets the eye? Have we given up on our dreams? Perhaps this remarkable young man is doing what many of us wish we did. Perhaps this is why so many of us are attached to this story and are tracking him online every day. It's a way to feel that we are a part of something much larger than ourselves.
In 2009, Apollo launched The Traveling Poet Project, which has turned into an international movement of poets, musicians, and filmmakers uniting to promote peace. He is traveling around the world to inspire people to dream again. At a time when music and art programs are being cut from our school systems, this project is resurrecting a dying art form of expression. Convinced that words can change the world, he will grab a camera and hit the road to shoot a documentary that has never been done before. The Traveling Poet will go to schools, shelters, hospitals, and music venues around the world to spread an inspirational message of healing and inner peace. The project will bridge our cultural gaps and unite us into the realization that through music, art, and expression, we are all one race: Humanity.
With thousands volunteering around the world, this movement has gained international attention.
Apollo will be Couch Surfing while volunteering at schools, shelters, and hospitals. His entire trip is funded by donations from complete strangers who believe in what he is doing. You can even fill out a Couch Request Form on his website and host the Traveling Poet when he comes to your city!
Apollo is quoted as saying, "How can you think outside the box when you're working in a cubicle?" At a time when everybody is stressing the economy and job losses, Apollo looks at the recession as an opportunity for personal growth. Claiming that we go to school, work, and sleep for 90% of our lives, Apollo believes that it leaves us no time to fulfill our dreams, reflect inwards, or truly be present with our loved ones. Are you truly living your dreams? Are your everyday actions made out of Love or Fear?
This journey is being deemed as one of the largest peace pilgrimages of our time. I don't know about you, but I know that I'll be watching! Especially since he'll be doing daily updates on TWITTER
Apollo has recently been named as a Peace Ambassador by Humanity Healing, a sponsor of this project. Other sponsors include Green Lifestyles Magazine, RawRev, UliMana & Disc Creations.
The public will be able to track the tour on the internet and subscribe to the weekly blogs and video updates. So find out when the Traveling Poet is coming to your city and witness one of the largest poetic peace pilgrimages ever documented.