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Literature

Words have the power to shape realities and have helped transform communities. Read on for more stories of artists using literature to speak truth to power.

Two open books in a library.
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Angel City Press: L.A. through the Pages (Preview)
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Angel City Press: L.A. through the Pages (Preview)
For over 30 years, publisher Angel City Press has been shaping the understanding of L.A.
A group of over 60 poets line up in three rows for a group photograph in a high ceiling public library. The floor beneath them is granite tiling arranged in geometric shapes. Above, is a mural.
'A Day of Poetry in LA' Celebrates the Diversity and Strength of L.A.'s Poetry Community
There's an incredible geographic, cultural and even philosophical diversity in the Los Angeles poetry community. Over 60 poets gathered at "A Day of Poetry in LA" to honor and celebrates these differences.
A black and white photo of Michelle Mush Lee in the background, out of focus. Her hand, balled up in a fist, is in focus and in the foreground.
Poem: When We Dream a New America
Since the Chinese Exclusion Act made Chinese laborers "America's first undocumented," Asian Americans have helped to dream a new America. Watch Michelle Mush Lee's poetic recollection of solidarity throughout history.
African American men and women in a parade of cars during Cinco de Mayo in Compton.
'You Had to be There': Compton in Literature and Memory
Compton-raised writers Robin Coste Lewis (former Los Angeles poet laureate), Amaud Jamaul Johnson (poet, professor and National Book Critics Circle finalist) and Jenise Miller (a poet and urban planner of Panamanian descent) discuss a Compton beyond the popular imagination.
Stephanie Sajor and Eddy M. Gana Jr. stand side by side on a stage in front of two microphones. A bright spotlight shines on both of them as they are spoken word poetry mid-performance. Their hands are held out in front of them with their palms upward and their faces are scrunched up with emotion.
At Sunday Jump in Historic Filipinotown, Words Gain Power
Now on its 10th year, Sunday Jump in Historic Filipinotown has facilitated a safe space for marginalized voices to express themselves, share stories and create genuine connections to the arts.
Metro bus stop on a Los Angeles cityscape
Of Oil Fields, Neon Signs and Tree Shade: The Fires That Fuel Los Angeles
Essayist D.J. Waldie explores the legacy of the fire element on the landscape of Los Angeles.
A wave-shape sweeps over a cityscape background.
It's Complicated: Water and Los Angeles
Essayist D.J. Waldie unfurls the complexities of water in Los Angeles, from trickles to torrents.
An illustration of ships, parrots, people on the beach rendered in an impressionistic style.
The Curiously Magical Air of Los Angeles
Essayist D.J. Waldie explores the beguiling and often contradictory qualities of air in Los Angeles.
A Vigilant Love rally gathers in the shape of a peace sign in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
Vigilant Love Bonds Muslim and Japanese American Activists Together Through Art
Vigilant Love is an inter-spiritual and multi-generational advocacy group, whose deep cross-cultural friendships and approach to building solidarity between Muslim and Japanese American youth provides an incredible model for society to move forward.
Books of poetry on the shelves | Courtesy of Sims Library
In Southern California's Only Poetry Library, the Spirit of Inclusion Reigns
In response to L.A.'s transitory poetry scene, Hiram Sims has founded Southern California's only library of poetry, located in South Central Los Angeles.
The poetry section of a bookstore | Nick Fewings/Unsplash
Where to Find L.A. Poetry in the Time of Social Distance
Poetry’s ability to distill truth into a small and mighty form makes it apt for this time of fake news. Here’s where to find your daily dose.
Mural at Mafundi Institute | Still from "Broken Bread" Watts
As If I was Carrying a Gun: Art and Surveillance in 1960s Watts
An arts movement emerged in ‘60s Watts. In response, federal and local law enforcement enacted counterinsurgency programs that infiltrated and co-opted Black arts and culture institutions and surveilled and targeted activists, artists and community member
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