Leron McAdoo Male • United States of America

Leron McAdoo, a committed educator, cultural artist, author, and musician from Little Rock, AR, is celebrated for his steadfast dedication to educating communities about the importance of knowledge, activism, and personal development. His unique combination of artistic and entrepreneurial talents is a powerful educational motivator for teachers, students, and parents. He uses his rich experiences to energize, motivate, and educate on academically relevant subjects. His passion for these causes is deeply inspiring.

His influence is evident in his role as a mentor and community leader. He shows an unyielding desire to empower the young and old, which has been a driving force throughout his career. Leveraging his background as a public school teacher, he excels in educational motivation, making him an outstanding speaker and life coach. His advocacy for education is demonstrated through his many roles as a keynote speaker and a leader in professional development sessions.

A dynamic consultant and creative, McAdoo’s work is profoundly rooted in artistic expression and traditions. With over 30 years as a classroom teacher and workshop facilitator, he leverages these experiences to educate and empower. In 1992, he and his brother established “The Legendary Backyard,” an independent brand serving as a music, writing, and art production studio. His website “BackyardOnline.com” continues to showcase various creative projects, including spoken word poetry, writing, art, music, public events, and workshops.

McAdoo’s educational journey began at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a historically black university where he excelled and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Arts. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. His art, design, and history studies laid a solid foundation for his career as an Art Educator. He is completing a Master of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration on Art Curriculum and Social Work at UALR.

He obtained his teaching license from the Arkansas Department of Education and has endorsements as an ESL Instructor and an ADOL teacher. Starting as an art educator in the LRSD, he has been passionate about initiatives promoting visual arts education at various educational levels. He has also served as a college and career coach and held numerous positions within the Little Rock Education Association, where he teaches educators to maximize their skills.

He has authored several books and produced the film Supa Tight, based on one of his comics. Since the early '90s, he has led art, writing, music, self-esteem, and character development workshops. His foundational role in "The Legendary Backyard" has significantly influenced the local Hip-Hop community, providing a platform for spoken word and serving as a medium for African-American activism and expression.

His dedication to education, the arts, and community advocacy has led to significant changes, earning him accolades, such as the first Poet Laureate of Little Rock, Arkansas. Through initiatives like "Activated" and various community programs, Leron McAdoo continues to be a transformative figure in promoting educational equity and cultural enrichment, securing a remarkable legacy in Arkansas.