Tama L. Brisbane:  From 2015-2023, Tama has presented over 300 times, including the inauguration of Stockton’s first Black mayor, Michael Tubbs. Her debut Laureate project helped engineer the city’s 2015 return to All-American City status with an innovative 10-minute poem incorporating over two dozen multigenerational, multiethnic voices. Her performance as Guest Poet at The King Jr. Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church led Martin Luther King III to say, “your words matter.” She is the Executive Director of With Our Words, and County Coordinator for California Poets in the Schools. As a Literary Arts Consultant, she designs programs, curricula and events for young people across the United States and around the world.

“Mama T” is a published author, a Susan B. Anthony Award Winner for Creative Arts, a University of the Pacific Woman of Distinction, a Black Women Organized for Political Action Honoree, an Action on Behalf of Children Honoree, a Charter Member of the Brave New Voices National Network, and of the National Black Poet Laureates Group. She serves on several boards advocating for arts, youth, Black families and environmental stewardship. Her tireless work on behalf of young voices — particularly those of color and from marginalized communities — has been recognized by both houses of the California Legislature, by the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

Tama stands in constant thanks to her Creator for her earthly assignment. She takes comfort and inspiration from two of her favorite quotes. The first is from Martin Luther King, Jr.:  “The salvation of humanity lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.”  The second is attributed to an Eastern proverb:  “If you sit on the bank of the river long enough, you will see the body of your enemy float by.”

Linda Marie Prather has been widely recognized, winning honors in both poetry and visual art.  She has been featured in Stanislaus Connections and in KCBP and KQBM radio interviews.  She was nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize and was the recipient of the 2008 Pegasus Award from California Federation of Chaparral Poets.  Linda co-edits the poetry quarterly Song of the San Joaquin and is an Arts and Letters member, National League of American Pen Women.  Her eighth book of poems, New Walk & Old Dream, was released August 2023.