By Sharron L. Henley, MA, MIN, Journalist and Radio Personality
In every corner of life he touches, Marlon Ferdinand stands as a symbol of service, soul, and strength. Known in the spoken word and poetry community as P.O.W.-Power of Words, Ferdinand is not only a masterful storyteller, but also a 14 year U.S. Army Veteran; 16 year U.S. Airforce Veteran, retired as a Major; a registered nurse, Miami-Dade County firefighter/paramedic, and a dedicated father of five impressionable children. His story is one of purpose, passion, and a tireless commitment to uplift others, uniformed or not.
Marlon is an engaged and active member of his community, proudly serving as a member of the Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in Miami Gardens, Florida. Guided by the fraternity’s motto, “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity,” He was initiated into the fraternity in the Spring of 1991 through the Epsilon Delta Chapter at the University of Miami. While his military service further deepened his commitment to discipline, unity, and service principles that closely align with the lifelong brotherhood and purpose driven mission of the Divine Nine, Marlon continues to embody these values through his involvement and leadership.
On December 19, 2024, the City of Miami Gardens held a street renaming ceremony to honor Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Rho Sigma Chapter, sponsored by Councilmember Reggie Leon. In a powerful tribute during this historic moment, Marlon performed an original poem in celebration of the chapter’s legacy and its impact on the community.
The Man Behind the Mic
With a military career spanning three decades, Major Marlon Ferdinand served with distinction, first in field artillery, then as a combat medic. His path of leadership and service extended far beyond the battlefield. Completing his nursing degree at the University of Miami School of Nursing, becoming a registered nurse and continuing his mission of healing transitioned this warrior to Homestead ARB Fl where he retired in 2019.
As a firefighter and paramedic in Miami-Dade County, Ferdinand responds daily to emergencies with the same courage and calm he honed in the Army. But Marlon Ferdinand isn’t just a man of action, he is a man of art. His alter ego, P.O.W., brings the same intensity and depth to the microphone that he brings to the front lines. Through poetry, music, and spoken word, he translates life’s most complex experiences into verses that move hearts and minds.
A Voice That Travels
Ferdinand’s journey as a performer began early, gripping a microphone as a pre-teen singing in church, guitar in hand. Decades later, P.O.W. is a seasoned voice on international stages, from London to Ecuador, and over the airwaves of 97.3 FM Afghanistan, where his segment “Captain Ferdinand’s Corner” inspired troops with messages of hope and resilience while deployed.
Throughout his military career, he demonstrated unwavering commitment, discipline, and leadership. His final deployment was to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009, where he played a vital role in supporting operations during a critical period of the conflict. Marlon’s experiences in both branches of the military helped shape his strong sense of duty and community values that continue to guide his service in civilian life.
His presence has also been felt on Miami’s iconic radio stations like 99 JAMZ and HOT 105, and on national television through NBC Channel 7 and Miccosukee TV in a moving tribute titled “This is for My Soldiers.”
Locally, he has graced stages at the Funk Jazz Café, Hooligan’s Lounge, and Barnes & Noble’s open mic nights. His blend of poetry, rap, and soul has become a unique genre all its own; a fusion of Floetry, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Neo Soul layered with spiritual insight and life lessons.
Next Stop: FLO’POCALYPSE
Continuing his mission to move minds and hearts, P.O.W.will be the special guest performer at the highly anticipated 🎙️FLO’POCALYPSE!—a powerhouse spoken word experience hosted by none other than #MrFLO4Me, @QuickThePoet.
📍 Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 NW 5th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
🗓️ Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster:
Ticketmaster Event Link (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D0062A5D2AE2324?brand=broward)
For questions:
📩 mailto:Floetryentllc@gmail.com
🌐 http://www.flo4me.com (http://www.flo4me.com/)
This will be a night of lyrical elevation, and Marlon P.O.W.Ferdinand’s presence guarantees power, purpose, and poetic excellence.
The Mission That Drives It All
Whether he’s in scrubs, bunker gear, camouflage, or wearing a slanted fedora under stage lights, Marlon Ferdinand’s mission remains the same: To lift the world’s vibration through service, love, and mentorship. His performances aren’t just entertainment they’re acts of healing. His words, drawn from personal experience as a soldier, caregiver, and spiritual seeker, offer clarity in chaos and peace amid pain.
His debut album, “Rules of Engagement,” exemplifies this mission. A sonic blend of enlightenment and artistry, it has captivated fans of poetry and music alike with its poetic precision and heartfelt delivery.
A Man’s Man, A Poet’s Poet
Marlon Ferdinand, P.O.W., is not just a veteran of war, but a warrior of words. His story is a living testament to the transformative power of service, artistry, and authenticity. He embodies what it means to live with purpose and speak with power.
On behalf of all those you’ve healed, rescued, mentored, and moved, thank you, Major Ferdinand. The world is better because you chose not just to serve, but to speak.
CWC News 