How Alvin “Testimony” Bowman Is Using Faith, Poetry, and Music to Transform Lives

For Alvin Bowman, the journey from addiction to purpose is proof that no life is beyond redemption. The Maryland native, Army veteran, former collegiate and professional lacrosse player, corporate executive, and spoken word artist is known simply as “Testimony”—a name earned through lived experience, unwavering faith, and a calling to help others discover that their past does not define their future.

Raised in Severna Park, Bowman grew up in a two-parent household, attended private school, and became one of the area’s top lacrosse players. Bowman attended Severna Park High School before attending the United States Military Academy in West Point. He later transferred to Drexel University, where he graduated and completed ROTC. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, earned induction into the university’s Hall of Fame, and later played professionally with the Philadelphia Wings. While success followed him publicly, privately he battled an identity crisis that eventually led him down a path of addiction.

Despite building a successful career in pharmaceutical sales and healthcare consulting, addiction gradually cost Bowman his career, relationships, and stability. What began as a search for acceptance ultimately led to homelessness, incarceration, repeated relapses, and years of searching for peace in all the wrong places.

His turning point came in 2014 when he entered recovery and committed himself to rebuilding his life one day at a time. Each morning, he covered his bathroom mirror with handwritten sticky notes filled with affirmations and reminders rooted in faith—messages like “Trust God,” “You are loved,” and “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Those daily reminders became more than motivation; they became the inspiration behind the title of his upcoming debut album, Sticky Notes.

While incarcerated in Chester County Prison, Bowman prayed for God to reveal his purpose. Days later, he awoke before dawn with words that became his first spoken word piece, “Testimony.” During weekly chapel services, he began sharing his poetry with fellow inmates, and attendance quickly grew so large that correctional officers reportedly had to provide additional security. The impact of his words earned him a new name—”Testimony”—one that has remained with him ever since.

For Bowman, spoken word was never about entertainment. It became ministry. Every poem reflected his conversations with God, his experiences with addiction and recovery, and the hope he believed others deserved to hear. His gift eventually earned him a place among the finalists in HBO Def Poetry’s national spoken word competition, where he performed the very piece that first came to him behind prison walls.

After returning home, Bowman continued using his voice to serve others. He later led the Lyric Ministry at Empowerment Temple under Pastor Jamal Bryant, ministering through spoken word before thousands of worshippers while remaining committed to creating art rooted in faith and transparency. That calling has now expanded into music.

Working alongside longtime friend and Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Dice Raw of The Roots, Bowman spent nearly two years developing his debut spoken word album, Sticky Notes. Produced by Dice Raw and mixed by acclaimed engineer Jason Goldstein, whose credits include Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and The Roots, the project blends spoken word, soulful production, and faith-centered storytelling into an experience years in the making.

Released on Juneteenth, his latest single, “You Lift Me Up,” featuring Dice Raw and Baltimore’s Choir Boyz, introduces listeners to a message centered on hope, restoration, and perseverance. Rather than simply telling his story, Bowman hopes every lyric reminds someone that healing is possible. His work extends well beyond music.

Through his nonprofit organization, MindzEye Inc., Bowman leads mentorship initiatives, recovery support programs, youth leadership workshops, reentry services, and community outreach efforts that use spoken word, storytelling, and artistic expression to help individuals discover purpose. Programs such as S’MOVE (Superheroes on the Move) focus on leadership development, resilience, confidence, and decision-making while encouraging young people to embrace their gifts instead of allowing their circumstances to define them. This program is in collaboration with in collaboration with Sensai Stan Crump, owner of The Okinawan Dojo.

Whether mentoring returning citizens, supporting individuals in addiction recovery, or speaking to students, Bowman’s mission remains the same: helping people become better versions of themselves while reminding them that failure is an event—not an identity.

“I wasn’t saved just to have a better life,” Bowman reflected. “I was saved so I could help somebody else find theirs.”

Today, Bowman continues expanding the work of MindzEye Inc. through mentorship, recovery support, theatrical performances, and community partnerships that inspire healing and hope. Last August, he released his debut album, Sticky Notes, which not only represents his personal journey but a message for anyone searching for restoration.

Take a listen to Alvin “Testimony” Bowman’s latest single, “You Lift Me Up,” featuring Dice Raw and the Choir Boyz, available now on all major streaming platform. Follow his journey as he continues using his testimony to transform lives through faith, music, and service.