First post from the Crown Legacy Storyteller Fellows series
- Joseph Crown
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 14
In New Orleans, storytelling is more than art—it’s legacy. As one of Crown Legacy’s inaugural Storyteller Fellows, I’m honored to share my first piece with you and to help carry forward a mission we share: ensuring our work—and the value, credit, and opportunities it creates—stays with the communities we serve and create with.
The Poem
Beyond a Phrase
By André J. McDonald
Beyond the earthen blaze
and rising dance of mirage waves
of summer heat and vibrant days,
beyond colors blurring lines of an ego haze—
in this moment, a medley of living shades.
Beyond brass blast and drum thrum,
listen as a story plays.
Beyond ‘you,’ beyond ‘me,’
where the stranger fades,
where kinfolk become, beyond fret and fray;
through unity of community, uniqueness stays,
written in hearts of every creed, breed, and age.
Timeless living rhythms, a breathing history page.
Singers sing, players play, dancers sashay the night away.
The world is your stage!
So, to you, in all you do, I mean when I say:
Beyond a phrase,
beyond the words in this poem along your way—
let the good times roll.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Artist’s Note
New Orleans taught me that community isn’t a crowd—it’s a cadence. This poem listens for that pulse: the second-line swirl, the back-porch wisdom, the quiet nod between neighbors who don’t need words to understand. Beyond a Phrase is a reminder that our differences aren’t threats to belonging; they’re instruments in the same band. If you feel called, hum along.
About the Fellow
André J. McDonald, C.Ht. is a hypnotic writer, author, trainer, certified hypnotherapist, stage hypnotist, and magician. His work blends creative nonfiction, self-help, and relationship insight with performance craft to hold attention—and open hearts. He leads AN/EX Hypnosis & Wellness Center, guiding people to harness the subconscious for everyday transformation.
Profile: www.RealHypnosis.Pro
As a Crown Legacy Storyteller Fellow, André will contribute at least one post each month and cross-post to his channels, linking back here so readers can follow the full journey.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Crown Legacy Program uplifts underrepresented artists, writers, and culture bearers across media—from print to AR/VR—so community stories thrive and remain with the people who create them. Launching the NOLA Storyteller & Poetry Fellowships is a step toward a sustainable, community-rooted arts ecosystem.
In 2026, Crown Legacy plans to sponsor two local creatives—one Storyteller and one Poet—for a six-month fellowship offering mentorship (editorial/publishing support), platforming, and stipends as funding allows.
We’re working to raise at least $14,000 by 2026 to fully launch.
Be Part of the Story: Fund the Fellows
Your support powers monthly publications, workshops, mentoring, and the resources creators need to serve their communities.
Every gift helps to:
Fund artistic labor (time to research, write, revise, and share).
Platform community voices that often go unheard.
Keep cultural memory alive—and rooted in the communities who made it.
Call for Creatives (2026 Cohort)
Writers, poets, culture bearers, and creative technologists (VR/AR/3D) with NOLA roots—let’s connect.Email joe@crownlegacyprogram.org with subject line:Fellow Interest — [Storyteller/Poet] — [Your Name]Include a short bio, links, and a 2–3 paragraph project idea centered on returning value, credit, and opportunity to community.
Share This Post
If this piece resonated, pass it along—readers, creatives, educators, and partners are all part of the circle. The more we share, the stronger the signal that this work matters.
Crown Legacy Program — Be Heard. Be Featured. Be Remembered.
Joseph Santiago,
Executive Director, Crown Legacy Program
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