LIFE The Griot (Official Trailer) from Surprisingly Professional Prods. on Vimeo.

Athens poet, social worker and author Lemuel LaRoche, a.k.a. LIFE, has made it his, er, life's work to improve his community, using unconventional tools like art, chess and music to educate and connect local underserved African American youths. 

Now comes a new documentary called LIFE the Griot, directed by local filmmaker Matt DeGennaro and produced by Grady Thrasher and Kathy Prescott. You can watch the trailer above.

LaRoche has also been heavily involved in the Word of Mouth poetry reading series. His nomination for ABH's 2013 Exceptionals earlier this year read:

Rashaan (my son) and I nominate Mr. “Life” for being a mentor to so many black fatherless youths. Last year, he held classes at DJJ (Dept. of Juvenile Justice) for males to get empowered through music, art, knowledge. My son met him, after hating to go to class, and instantly they connected with poetry and music. “Life” has organized a couple of “chess tournaments” around town for males, instilling the idea “THINK” before you move, so they will use this in every day life. My son saw “Life” walking the halls at Classic City High today.  This is as close as “having a Dad in your life” as it gets for him.