A Poet's Origin

 

Locally revered as "The Moon of Moss Point," Ebony's love for poetry began with the rhythmic stylings of Dr. Seuss. However, her craft truly flourished in middle school, where she penned "How Can I Love Someone I Hate." Her talent was soon recognized by her older cousin, Curtis Riley, who struggled with drug addiction and asked Ebony to write poems for church services—giving voice to his spiritual battles. However, after discovering that her mother had secretly read her journal, Ebony stopped writing, feeling as though her words had been weaponized against her.

 

Reclaiming Her Voice

 

Poetry found Ebony again during a tumultuous relationship with the father of her two sons. She often says that poetry helped her rediscover her strength, while motherhood reminded her how to use it. This awakening led her to the stage, where she embraced her calling as a Spoken Word Artist. Her journey took a pivotal turn after witnessing the powerful presence of Mobile, AL’s Lady Tess—an experience that deeply resonated with her. Shortly after her first open mic at Da Wall Poetry in Gulfport, MS, on October 6, 2018, Ebony earned her first feature opportunity there on June 1, 2019.

 

Lady Tess’s influence inspired Ebony to dig deeper into her artistry, ultimately leading to the creation of her debut poetry album, "Ebony Speaks." Produced by Halo City Entertainment and available on Bandcamp.com, this album is a dedication to the late Lady Tess, whose impact continues to live on through the artists she touched.

 

Building a Legacy

 

On September 14, 2019, Ebony was inducted into the Mobile Chapter of Black On Black Rhyme Poetry Troupe, a renowned collective that has nurtured creatives for over 25 years. Through this platform, she has honed her craft, learned the business of art, and built her brand as an independent artist. Ebony is committed to giving back, aspiring to empower young creatives with the knowledge and opportunities she has gained.

 

In 2023, Ebony celebrated five years in poetry by releasing her debut book, "Worth the Weight." Self-published through Amazon in under 60 days, this collection spans her journey over the past five years. The title embodies her personal growth:

 

"After everything I’ve been through, I look back and reflect. I’ve realized it was all worth the weight of the woman I’ve become. I acknowledge my past and hold space for it, but I see now how it’s pushed me into my purpose."

 

The GODDESS Experience 

 

Over the past five years, "The Moon of Moss Point" has spread the GODDESS Experience across the South, gracing stages throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois. Her poetic résumé includes opening for esteemed artists such as Ed Mabrey, Talaam Acey, Grammy-nominated Poet Queen Sheba, legendary songstress Shirley Murdock, hip-hop artist Twista, and acclaimed actor Omar Epps.

 

Ebony is a proud member of Black On Black Rhyme's Step2DaMic Poetry Troupe and THE 20/20 Podcast, LLC (Mobile, AL). She has also built a poetic family through Clubhouse, connecting with collectives like One Love Poetry Series, IAM Voice of the Voiceless, The Lost Tribe of Poets, The Society of Poets, Powerhouse Poets, Songs in the Key of Poetry, and The HoneyDripper Collective.

 

With an ever-growing platform and an unwavering passion for storytelling, Ebony "tha GODDESS" Bradley continues to inspire, heal, and empower through her artistry—one poem at a time.