Karl With A K

Karl with a “K”

Karl “Special K” Lawrence is among Howard’s second-largest freshman class in 15 years — 1,596 students from more than 12,000 applicants —that called Howard University home in the fall of 2013. But “Special K” admits that the fact is only one of the various reasons he has named himself “special.” Surrounded by a diverse and intellectual campus full of bright leaders, he quickly found a way to stand out. A freshman from New York, his first book of poems, “Karl with a K” was published on January 23, 2014, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Born as a premature baby, Special K was raised by his parents in the Bronx, but felt he lacked a quality relationship with both of them. It was then he turned to his pencil and paper to further express himself.

“My 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Cooper assigned us to write in our journal daily. And once I started, I just couldn’t stop, it was like it was my calling,” he said. “Before this it was all about drawing. But through writing I learned a new way to express myself.”

He adopted Malcom X as a father figure, living by one of his quotes: “make it plain, and speak your mind.” Karl believes that somebody has to tell it like it is, and that is exactly what his poems does. His writing is easy to understand but difficult to master. “Karl with a K” consists of poems that were written when he was just 16, channeling the youthful years that he wished he could have shared with his family.

“I have no intended audience. I write so that everybody from all over the world can understand my writing. I’m not here to confuse you, or wrap you up with words and riddles. As my prologue states, ‘I want to reach to common people with common language to say the uncommon things,’ I just want to reach to the world with my words, because what I’m saying needs to be heard,” he said.

Special K was also strongly inspired by his 75-year-old best friend and a former jazz musician, Sunni. Sunni took Special K under his wing, nicknaming him the “Chosen 1.” With a diverse knowledge and many connections, Special K developed an open mind, and lives as a free thinker.

 He believes that 2014 is his year, and he looks to publish his 2nd book no later than fall 2014. He also reveals that he already has his third and fourth book completed, and is currently working on the fifth. Focused and determined to reach the unreachable as he is documenting his journey like he sees it, Special K continuously strive to be the best he can be.

After recently turning eighteen, Special K decided to celebrate with the President because he felt accomplished for never being shot or locked up, most of all for still being alive. One day before being evicted out of his dormitory, he received a letter from President Barack Obama saying, “By setting your sights high and having faith in yourself you can meet your greatest aspirations and inspire those around you to do the same.” Six days later, his book was published.

 

His book is currently #2 on Amazon Kindle, and is also available on Nook by Barnes & Noble. Sales fluctuate everyday, but he continues to keep calm. He looks forward to producing paperback copies, but in the meantime download the free app, and search “Karl with a K.”

 “If nobody believes in you, believe in yourself,” he says.

 

Please continue to support Karl Lawrence. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @_karlwithak88.