Orin Dean Griffin was born, raised and still lives in Schenectady, New York. He has loved writing and expressing himself creatively since he was a child. In high school he performed in plays and read his poetry. He is a graduate of Albany State University, NY. His minor in African American studies was a premise for his literary passion. Reading the works of Zora Neale Hurston, W.E.B DuBois, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes made a long lasting impression on him. He says, "I like to write with soulful wisdom."

He has a poem called, "I Don't Know How To Lose" that will be published this year in the magazine, Know Yourself.

He was a member of the University at Albany Football team and was recruited to play professionally with the Baltimore Colts. He was also lead singer of a Blues and R&B band. He has written songs and has his own CD recording.