Mike Sonksen
Equally a scholar and performer, Mike Sonksen, also known as Mike the Poet, is a 3rd-generation L.A. native acclaimed for published essays, poetry performances and mentoring teen writers. Mike teaches at Woodbury University.
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Authors, former students, colleagues and friends reflect on the legacy, impact and generous spirit of the late Mike Davis — a social historian and professor emeritus whose writings and teachings on power and social class in Los Angeles inspired and guided an entire generation of L.A. and urban historians.
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.
In an era where many old monuments are being torn down and history is being rewritten, learn how public art rooted in inclusivity can help right the wrongs of history.
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.
Adrian Younge's latest album, "The American Negro," keeps the legacy of freedom music alive, incorporating elements of jazz, funk, soul, spoken word and hip-hop to detail the Black experience and the evolution of racism in America.
Jamal Hill wants to teach one million underserved people to swim before 2028. The 25-year-old Inglewood-born professional swimmer embodies a combination of the competitive swimming spirit of Michael Phelps with the self-determination, community advocacy and direct agency of Nipsey Hussle.
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.
Today, a cadre of local activists and artists in Watts are using storytelling and human relationships to promote change, justice, equality and communal values.
Meet the core artists who were the vanguards of the West Coast edition of the Black Arts Movement: Betye Saar, Noah Purifoy, John Outterbridge and Jayne Cortez.
Today, a cadre of local activists and artists in Watts are using storytelling and human relationships to promote change, justice, equality and communal values.
Judith Baca’s mural work asks tough questions about public art and what role it plays in a multicultural society. These seven books illuminate the intersection between Baca’s work, public histories and art practice.
Poetry can provide an outlet for kids to express themselves in unique ways. Five seasoned Los Angeles poet teachers present their favorite poetry exercises for children.