— Early Years —

Point of entry, graphic design/visual arts: As a child, Reinfred loves to draw and doodle, an activity that those around him encourage. Then, in high school, Reinfred takes a number of graphic design courses, curious to discover new realms with which to visually express himself. Learning to use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop he creates postcards, posters, t-shirts, and other applications as part of his coursework. In addition, he begins to explore the interplay between physical and digital mediums for creating designs and visual art.

Point of entry, speech-language pathology: At university Reinfred studies Communications Sciences and Disorders (COSD) with a speech-language pathology track. Reinfred has always been interested in language and literature, as well as has a natural eagerness to help people maintain their dignity and quality of life, so he presses forward—with a tremendous amount of help from a wonderful support system—once he discovers that the ‘speechie’ world would allow him the opportunity to stay connected to all of those desires.

Point of entry, writing: While at university Reinfred enrolls in a few courses in poetry reading and writing as a way to add variety to his speech pathology-intensive studies. English and literature class have been his favorites since primary school, and reading and writing, in general, are activities that have brought him immense joy throughout the years, having always found acceptance from others in this area. He is drawn to poetry in particular due to its ability to reveal the hidden spectrum of the world’s and humans’ truths and lies, all the while being occupied with the pureness of its own language and expression—to paraphrase writer Chris Abani.

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Highlights: Reinfred begins engaging in a medley of pursuits, one by one adding writing, speech-language pathology, and graphic design to his obsessions.

• His poetry is recognized with an award (2018 Nan Lacy Poetry Chapbook Contest, Radford University Department of English). In addition, several of his poems, such as “On Names…Addo” are published in literary magazines/journals/reviews and anthologies (e.g., Tampered Press literary journal). He also begins engaging in the performance side of things, participating in open mics, jams, and a couple of guest poet/speaker opportunities.

• As a speech pathologist-writer, he enjoys a niche audience for his health humanities creative writing. Some pieces, such as “The Shaking Man, Part 1” are published in anthologies and by speech pathology-related organizations (e.g. The [United States] National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders).

• He generates some design and art projects for himself and a few things he is passionate about (e.g., his Justice Fist project in support of more just and equitable systems), as well as does a select amount of client work (e.g., apparel for Spread The Vote).