KarmaTube Video

KarmaTube is a video portal by ServiceSpace, showcasing the best inspiring videos on the web – with practical ways to be the change. Explore →

Def Jam Poetry -- Knock, Knock

51,010 views

As an actor, singer, writer, and composer, Daniel Beaty has worked throughout the world in a variety of styles ranging solo concerts to theatre to one-man plays to a gig at the White House. But here he is at a Def Jam Poetry contest, about a topic near and dear to his heart -- parenthood. Nothing short of a riveting, electrifying performance that had the entire crowd standing up by the end!

Be The Change

Learn more about Daniel's work and check out his latest projects.

Reflect deeply on the lyrics of Knock Knock and have a discussion about it with a friend.

Support a child being raised by a single parent.

Reflections (24)

Rebecca B. James

Its realism... its honesty... and the emotional aspect that imparts the rhythm of the heart.

Olivia Kay

This is a beautiful poem, Daniel performed beautifully with so much passion and emotion. The repetition was so powerful. He could not have preformed it any better, this was amazing!

Karen Contreras

The transparency with which Daniel presents his experiences is breathtaking. Thank you!

Susjheela Kamath

The power of realisation that it is'nt your lineage that counts, it is what you are and have achieved despite deprivation of all kinds. So inspiring!!

Anthony

It reminded me how angry I was before I healed inside and outside. I remember being told by someone much wiser "We weren't meant to survive. So, go beat the odds, Anthony. Go beat the odds. Never because of, and always in spite of racism, will you go proudly fulfilling the prophecy of your ancestors." Aho!

N Michael Murphy

YES YES. My father never said Knock Knock, but I can gaze into the mirror and see that child and say knock, knock I love you. And I will say it every day from now on, till death do us part. So even though I have not payed attention to you until now (please forgive me) from now on I will be there, and you will never be alone. Knock knock! Michael

Katherine

Thank-you Daniel for your absolutely inspiring poetic wisdom!

Elizabeth

Powerful reminder the no one has to buy into the illusion that the legacy of abandonment is carried through the generation. It stops here through the conscious choice of individual empowerment. Congratuations!

Michelle

Our parents are not who we need them to be. But we must become who we need ourselves to be. It is a journey, a courageous and mighty one - to stand fully for who and what we believe in, to be the change we want to see in the world.

ishana bai

the truth coming from an open heart. thank you daniel beaty, beautiful man, you are at the right place at the right time on this planet. love and gratitude, ishana bai

Michael

Transforming pain and abandonment into Compassion Strength and Love..: It doesn't get any better than that!
Thank you Daniel

Los

We are not our father's choices but we are their children. Inspirational that in spite of his fathers choices, Daniel expressed his true, authentic self in the love he still professes for his father. As I have "knocked, knocked" on many doors in my life, and continue to....and now profess my love for my father, despite his absences'. True, positive, and heart felt. I was moved to tears.

About KarmaTube

Curated by volunteers at ServiceSpace, KarmaTube features inspiring videos with actionable ways to spread kindness. Subscribe for weekly inspiration.

KarmaTube Video

Def Jam Poetry -- Knock, Knock

Reflections (24)

More Inspiring Videos