Khali Raymond is a writer and musician from Newark, New Jersey. He could read at the age of two and his work ethic and love for words has led to a prolific writing career (with 163 books to date). Khali’s love for his city and community is extremely strong and is a primary influence for his work. This week Khali discussed his writing life, the stereotypes he encounters, and the direction of autism advocacy.

Happy National Poetry Month! Berkeley College senior Khali Raymond kicked off this year’s celebration by presenting his poem “Don’t Put the Pen Down, With a Smiley Face,” at the Poetry, Pastry, and Punch event, held April 6 at Central Park Restaurant in Roselle, NJ.

Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the City of Newark will honor 17-year-old Newark native, East Side High School student, and six-time published novelist Khali Raymond by hosting a book-signing of his work.

My name is Khali Raymond, and I am nineteen years old. I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. At the age of fifteen, I wrote my first book, The Ballad of Sidney Hill. It’s about an eighteen year old who was forced to move from Florida to Badlands, a fictional city in Pennsylvania, which was filled with crime and desperation.

My name is Khali Raymond and I am currently a student at the Berkeley College campus in Newark, NJ. I am majoring in Business Administration and will be graduating in the spring of 2019 with my Associate’s degree. Then, I am going to be attending Kean University where I will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English and Writing – I will be living on campus as well. I am a published writer, poet, and artist. I was born and raised in Newark.

Prudential’s partnership with My Brother's Keeper, an Obama Foundation initiative, provides mentorship and job opportunities for boys and young men of color.