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Mike Sonksen

Mikeredwall

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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Los Angeles, undated by William Reagh (Getty)
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.
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.
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 mural showing Frederick Douglass in the middle, flanked by an African American man holding an African American child on one side and a Black soldiers and slaves on the other side.
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.
A Vigilant Love rally gathers in the shape of a peace sign in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
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 poses facing the camera. He's wearing a plaid suit jacket and a silk black and white tie. He's also wearing a black brimmed hat tilted slightly to the left. Thick-framed glasses sit on his face and he's wearing white, fingerless gloves.
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, Paralympic swimmer, photographed with a blue tint
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.
Books of poetry on the shelves | Courtesy of Sims Library
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.
Bruce Lemon Jr. playing with youth during a rehearsal break
Today, a cadre of local activists and artists in Watts are using storytelling and human relationships to promote change, justice, equality and communal values.
Aerial view of Watts Towers Arts Center | Still from "Watts Towers Arts Center" ab s11
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.
Bruce Lemon Jr. playing with youth during a rehearsal break of " A Jordan Downs Illumination."| Nancy Keystone
Today, a cadre of local activists and artists in Watts are using storytelling and human relationships to promote change, justice, equality and communal values.
Detail of the Great Wall of Los Angeles
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.
An encounter between a girl and butterflies flying out of a giant book.
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.
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