Michael “Chief” Peterson marries social consciousness with mellow poetic verses. Born and raised in New Britain, CT, he declares himself a man dedicated to his family and focused on helping our youth. Chief not only speaks about social inequities and individual struggle, but he acts to change the cycle. Chief is the playwright of and actor in his one-man show, I Wish Life Had Training Wheels. He was recently appointed as the first ever Poet Laureate of his hometown, New Britain Connecticut in which he was recently appointed to a second term. He appeared on Seasons 4,5, & 6 of the TvOne hit series, Lexus’ Verses and Flow. He is the consecutive 3x Connecticut Spoken Word Grand Slam Champion. He finished in 6th place during the National Poetry Slam and currently among the top 5 ranked poets in the Southern Fried National Poetry slam.
Chief was featured at the Kallio Block Party in Helsinki, Finland. He also performed at the 2012 London Olympics. Chief was also the opening act and intermission for Brian Mcknight, Ginuwine and Musiq Soul Child during The Love Heart and Soul tour. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, Chief is no stranger to the injustice he speaks out about. He is currently a Dean of Students at his alma mater, New Britain High School, and is also a part-time Child Development Specialist.
He contributes to extra-curricular activities by coaching the football and basketball teams at New Britain High School. From the high school where he works to the stages where he performs, this poet on the rise turns his art into action while inspiring people to do the same. This is a performer who literally practices what he preaches. From the high school where he works to the stages where he performs, this poet on the rise is about turning his art into action and inspiring people to do the same.
