Inner & Outer Voices

Delve into the profound and transformative journey of PJ Burroughs, also known as Paris Jones Burroughs, in his reflective memoir, “Inner & Outer Voices.” Born in Philadelphia in 1976 to a single Black mother, PJ’s life unfolds against a backdrop of complexity, artistry, and resilience. Through deeply personal poetic reflections, he navigates the intricacies of his identity, grappling with the void left by his Jehovah’s Witness father and the challenges posed by schizoaffective bipolar disorder beginning at age 22. In this raw and unfiltered narrative, PJ brings light to the realities of growing up under societal pressures and family dynamics, exploring the intersection of race, mental health, and creativity. Each poetic piece reveals the duality of his inner and outer voices-the echoes of his fears, aspirations, and dreams-while celebrating his journey as a Black American artist and music producer. Embracing his true self, PJ courageously came out as bisexual at the age of 37, later meeting and marrying the love of his life, Anthony Burroughs, in 2022. With a deep admiration for Dionne Warwick’s iconic music during her Bacharach/David years, PJ incorporates his love for songwriting, novel writing, and cover art design into his artistry, often drawing inspiration from his own schizophrenic experiences. “Inner & Outer Voices” is a poignant exploration of resilience, highlighting the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of self-acceptance. Join PJ on his journey as he transforms adversity into art, proving that creativity can flourish in the most challenging circumstances, and learn how finding one’s voice can lead to liberation and love amidst the chaos.