Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Toliver
Hi Eric, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. The youngest of two boys on my mother’s side and the eldest child and only boy on my dad’s side. Growing up having a tumultuous relationship with my dad unfortunately. Diagnosed with mental and behavioral health disorders — ADHD & ODD — at the age of 6. Raised in the Kansas City Missouri School District (now Kansas City Public Schools). Graduated from Paseo Academy in 2011; having one of my original poems, “Chicken Is About” published in a collection of poems. Pursued Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Cinema at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri – graduating as a first generation college graduate on both sides of my family in 2017. Have held several jobs since graduating. Currently in the midst of writing a memoir based on my college experience as a first generation college student and student of color with a mental/behavioral disability at a predominantly white university. Additionally, I have returned to my Alma Mater – Paseo Academy – for the current school year as a paraprofessional working with exceptional/special education high school students.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Each day is struggle — as someone with a mental health condition, you take your mental health seriously and a top priority like anything else. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t be there for anyone else. So with that said if I’m not taking care of my health or my mental health, how can I be beneficial to my students and other staff members and educators in the school?
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a writer, entertainer, and director-producer. I am also a podcast host of two upcoming podcasts: the Black Renaissance Podcast and another podcast, What Really Happened, with my sister Taylor Griffin. As mentioned earlier, I am currently working with students at my Alma Mater of Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts. I am also a published poet and spoken word artist and has a strong career passion in theatre and cinema. I served as a host, director and producer for the KPRS teen radio talk show, “Generation Rap.” He is passionate about fine arts and service and promotes excellence and empowerment amongst black people and people of color.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Watch out for further news about my upcoming book and other projects. Follow me on my social media:
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://tr.ee/WwMB8NWZfh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theerictoliver/
- Twitter: http://x.com/@ericdtoliver
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ericdtoliver
