Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Peniel Cromwell has taught songwriting and the art of freestyle rap at Sullivant Gardens Rec Center, MLK Library, and The Homeless Families Foundation Center. Peniel believes that teaching youth to express themselves through freestyle rap and songwriting is a great way for them to be creative while relieving stress. Endeavoring to excite as many youths as possible with these art forms, Peniel hopes that some of his students will one day pass along and teach the next generation. Having read such works as Langston Hughes’ Salvation Essay and a Dream Deferred, Peniel began writing as a child, and each day continues his deep commitment and love of poetry writing.