ESSENCE Magazine featured Poet and author Michael J. Burt was born July 1, 1985 in Washington, DC. He was raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, where he currently resides.  Marsha Ambrosius of the Grammy-nominated group Floetry said that Burt's poetry has "...the ability to reach the Soul with honest words of emotional optimism...Lovely."

In 2005, Burt’s first volume of poetry entitled “Experience Is Impossible Without a Chance: A Collection of Poems” was published. Lovers of the written and spoken word have seen Burt perform at Christopher Newport University, Frostburg State University, Johns Hopkins University, and heard his poetry on Howard University’s historic WHUR-FM 96.3 radio station.  

Burt fulfilled a dream by opening for poet Nikki Giovanni and also had the privilege of being booked to open for Def Poet J. Ivy.  He is a contributor to multiple thought provoking African American-experience books including "Journey into My Brother's Soul" and “Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community” which features writings from Patti LaBelle, Mo’Nique, Hill Harper, Al Sharpton, and many more.  Burt’s poem “The Legacy” was featured in the March 2007 issue of ESSENCE Magazine.  He has also been featured in the literary magazine "The Nubian Chronicles."

“Love Changes: Poems,” Michael J. Burt’s sophomore effort was released officially February 5, 2007 by Xpress Yourself Publishing and nominated for a 2007 African American Literary Award against legendary poet Nikki Giovanni amongst others. (Winner announced 9/26/07) 

Burt is the Managing Editor of Poetic Press an imprint of XYP, under this imprint Burt will edit the company's first anthology "Step Up To The Mic: A Poetic Explosion" which is slated for a September 25. 2007 release.  Now as a graduate of Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Michael J. Burt plans to continue writing and pursue a career in therapy. Burt is currently an online columnist for NewsBlaze.com and a contributing writer for J.T.'s Book Corner at Black Men In America.com doing celebrity and author interviews!

Burt is host of "The Poetry Cafe Radio Show w/ Michael J. Burt" that airs live every WED 10pm EST on the ArtistFirst Radio Network (www.artistfirst.com).  Michael has interviewed a wide variety of people including the likes of former NBA star Doug Christie and his wife Jackie, popular spoken word artist Queen Sheba, best selling authors Jessica Tilles and Bill Holmes, amongst others.

For more info please visit him online at www.mjburtpoetry.com or www.myspace.com/poetmjb!