COOL FIRE

What does it mean to be a Black man in America?

Through the rhythm of poetry and the power of photography, Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey invites readers into an intimate exploration of identity, love, justice, self-discovery, resilience, healing, and legacy. Robert L. Dortch, Jr. shares a deeply personal yet universal journey that weaves the weight of history with the hope of tomorrow and the
passion of struggle to do more than survive, but to love, and live life fully.

From the echoes of ancestors to the voices of the present, each poem and photograph is a step along the path of becoming—wrestling with the burdens we carry, embracing the joys we cherish, and daring to dream beyond the limits placed upon us by ourselves and others. With every verse, Cool Fire speaks to those searching for meaning, healing, and the freedom to simply be.

This is more than poetry. It is a testimony. It is truth. It is an invitation to reflect, feel, be with one’s self, and rise and dare to embrace one’s humanity.

Are you ready for the journey?

A BLACK MAN'S POETIC ODYSSEY

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Podcast

The Power of Vulnerability: How Robert Dortch Models Love and Leadership for Future Generations

The Chronicles of Transformative Change and Impact

| Carol Reese | Apr 17, 2025 |

Listen on : Amazon | Apple | Spotify

Events

THE SHOCKOE INSTITUTE PRESENTS

AN EVENING OF COOL FIRE
Jun 19, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Speakeasy Grill @ The Hippodrome

526 N 2nd St, RVA

Reviews

“With an urgency reminiscent of the great voices of the Harlem Renaissance, Robert Dortch’s “Cool Fire” signals the arrival of an important new voice on America’s literary landscape. With unrelenting, ofttimes painful clarity, Dortch firmly locates the unique and extraordinary dimensions of Black American masculinity within the tradition of universal humanism articulated by Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray and in so doing offers us a poetic path forward at the moment we need it most. “

Marland Buckner

President & CEO, Shockoe Institute

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.

Robert L. Dortch, Jr. is a creative force for good—a poet, photographer, executive coach, and entrepreneur whose work lives at the intersection of imagination and impact. As the founder of Jordan/Sydnor Innovation Group, he brings more than two decades of experience in philanthropy, leadership, and social innovation, helping people and organizations move from vision to transformation.

He is the co-founder of the Ujima Legacy Fund, one of the country’s leading giving circles, and the author of Adventures in Leadership.

Whether behind the lens, on the page, coaching leaders, facilitating conversations with changemakers, or summiting Mt Kilimanjaro, his work centers on love, leadership, legacy, and liberation. He is committed to helping others grow in confidence and courage and living lives of meaning and purpose.

Robert is a native son of Richmond, Virginia, and a proud father.