Peter (Souleo) Wright says he is inspired by Oprah.
The former MTV personality, budding journalist, curator and producer of cultural and educational events imagines that he developed his Winfrey-like creativity in a past life, along with the media magnate’s ability to prevail in the face of adversity.
“I came back with less money, but a better body,” he says.
All joking aside, the 26-year-old Harlemite is building a formidable profile, spurred on by lofty goals and the lingering sorrow of a horrific family tragedy.
Souleo and the company he launched in 2008 are becoming a ubiquitous presence in Harlem and across New York City.
This summer, Souleo and the New York Public Library have created a series of 28 events at branches throughout Harlem, the Bronx and Staten Island.
The programs — many of which are moderated by Souleo himself — are designed to promote financial literacy, empower the LGBT community and encourage patrons to think of libraries a place for more than just books.
Souleo is also co-curating an art show at the Strivers Gardens Gallery on W. 135th St. The show, “eMerge: Danny Simmons and Artists on the Cusp,” opens on Thursday and features the work of nine up-and-coming artists headlined by Danny Simmons, the brother of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.
These events and programs mark Souleo’s debut in the realm of event production.
“The programs have been successful, fun, unique and well attended,” said Kelly Yim, the adult programming specialist for the New York Public Library. “These programs illustrate how public libraries are transforming.”
Souleo has previously focused his attention on hosting radio shows and producing content for print and online media outlets. He also created a youth internship program with Jimmy Jazz, a fashion company.
Tall and lithe with the body of a dancer, Souleo smiles broadly even when discussing the hardships that have shaped his life. He’s been wrestling with his status as a gay African-American man since he was in junior high. In 2009, Souleo’s life was jolted by the murder of his 21-year-old brother, Glenn (Spoof) Wright, who was stabbed in the neck in a case of mistaken identity on the lower East Side. Glenn’s killer, a confessed gang banger, was sentenced last month to 20 years in prison.
“I may have been the last person he spoke to that day,” Souleo said of his brother, whose work is included in the “eMerge” exhibit.
The lingering grief, Souleo says, ignited the spark that pushed him to give something back to his community while moving his own businesses forward. “I wanted to create a legacy for myself,” Souleo said of the events he’s producing this summer. “I loved writing, and I wanted to get to the next level.”
Upcoming events produced by Souleo:
* Tuesday, 3 p.m.: A Moment of . . . Loud: Cirque du Monde w/The POINT; Macombs Bridge Library, 2650 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (between W. 152nd & W. 153rd Sts.): The circus arrives at the New York Public Library for this special outdoor workshop designed to teach circus tricks.
* Thursday, 11:30 a.m.: Live Like a Millionaire on $7.25/Hour; George Bruce Library, 518 W. 125th St. (at Amsterdam Ave.): Financial expert Joyce Moy shows you how to live fabulously, even if you’re fabulously broke.
* July 19, 2 p.m.: Fame & (Mis)Fortune: Full Force; Mott Haven Library, 321 E. 140th St.
(at Alexander Ave.), Bronx: Full Force members Bowlegged Lou, B-Fine and Paul Anthony discuss their good fortune in working with artists like Rihanna and the Black Eyed Peas . . . and reveal the misfortunes they’ve also encountered along the way.
* July 31, 6 p.m.: Fame & (Mis)Fortune: Meli’sa Morgan & Christopher (Play) Martin; Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road (at Briggs Ave.), Bronx: R&B songstress Meli’sa Morgan and Christopher (Play) Martin, of the successful hip-hop/comedy duo Kid ‘n’ Play, recount the financial challenges they managed to overcome.
* July 12 through Sept. 7: eMerge: Danny Simmons and Artists on the Cusp; Strivers Gardens Gallery, 300 W. 135th St.: Curated by Lisa Hayes and Souleo Enterprises, featuring works of Danny Simmons, Jason E. Auguste, Greg Frederick, Laura Gadson, David Hollier, House of ‘Spoof’: Glenn Wright, Beau Mccall, Shirley Nette Williams and Andre Woolery.
