Genius Black | South Portland, ME 

Artist Statement: 

Maine’s Black Future podcast boldly visits stories of historic Black Mainers and the legacies they carved into the state. Then the podcast connects this longstanding history to Black change-makers weaving Maine’s Black future today! Within the experience, they define terminology, keep it real, and invite you to connect deeply with Black Mainers creating the future they want to live in.

Bio: 

Genius Black, also known as Jerry Edwards, is a social innovator, entrepreneur, and musical artist based in South Portland, Maine. Naturally a storyteller and motivator, he focuses on collaboration and audio and video production as crafts. Genius curates a collaborative collective of musical talent, GEM CITY Maine. He holds a degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College, and was a founding Co-Director of Black Owned Maine. He is the father of two, 16 and 19 years old. He produces and hosts Maine’s Black Future podcast with the Maine Monitor, focusing on historic and current influential Black Mainers. Genius is a Media and Communications Organizer for TheThirdPlace, a Portland Media Center and Portland Ovations board member, and was Emcee for the Maine Immigrant Forum’s inaugural event in 2023.

On winning a Maine Artist Fellowship

As a multi-faceted creator and storyteller, I am honored to be chosen as an artistic ambassador for the State of Maine. This fellowship will share my skills and talents more broadly throughout the state, and I am grateful. I am also excited to share Maine's Black history, and our current Black influencers throughout the state, and beyond!