Ellington

Read about Cyrus Webb's more recent activities and controversies here

The resume of Cyrus Webb�born in Jackson 28 years ago, graduated from Brandon High School, didn�t attend college, has worked in hotel management since 1996�can seem mundane at first glance. Nothing could be further from the truth. A young man who has single-handedly pulled himself through a life fraught with discord�from without and within�Webb impressed me mightily. �It was a struggle to try to fit in, yet still be Cyrus�that�s when C. A. stood up.� C. A. is the artist and poet, while Cyrus manages the Best Western Executive Inn, downtown.

C. A. writes poetry about his life and how he and Cyrus have evolved. �I do live a double life; the parts of me after writing and creating art have had to relate to people. I have a balance, even with my family.� Webb feels deeply that it is his responsibility is to share what he calls his �gift.�

The twain�the man and his careers�have certainly met to accomplish his self-set goals. Not one to hide his light beneath a basket, Webb says some think he�s arrogant, promoting his creations and himself the way he does. But he didn�t want to wait a lifetime to get work displayed in a public library; he knew he would have to think outside the box.

Each of the three hotel chains Webb has worked with have provided him with space for poetry readings and art shows�at an employee rate, he added with a smile. Not only that, but the last several years Webb has set up his wares at McRae�s Metrocenter and at Jackson Medical Mall. �Not everyone will go to a museum or to a poetry reading, but if you catch them where they have to go, your success rate is better,� Webb explained. He has on online gift shop and a catalog��to mail to those who don�t go online��called TYFM (To You From Me). Plus, Webb hosts "Conversations with C. A. Webb," on WMPR 90.1 FM Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

All this is from a young man who calls himself shy. Yet he had no trouble cold-calling media outlets in five states as part of his thorough preparation for his latest project�the just-completed tour for �Metamorphosis,� a spoken-word CD and his fifth poetry chapbook. Last year Webb developed a budget and began saving money. Rev. Vernon Moore of With Us Records is the co-producer of the CD.

�I�m retiring in 2005 [from hotel management] and going full time,� Webb said. Success or failure, he said, is in his own hands. Steady and capable hands, to be sure.