Born in Houston, Ragan Fox is a multifaceted artist and academic who has left an indelible mark on the realms of poetry, performance, and communication studies. Armed with a BS and MA from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in Communication from Arizona State University, Fox is the creative force behind poetry collections such as “Exile in Gayville” (2009) and “Heterophobia” (2005). Poet Patricia Smith lauded “Exile in Gayville” for its “poems unerring in their ferocity and their truths.”
Fox’s performance poetry serves as a powerful exploration of identity politics and the intricate dynamics of human connection. Using autobiography as a lens, he delves into the narratives of cultural others, recognizing the imperative role of marginalized voices in shaping literary and historical canons.
A seasoned poet, Fox clinched the third-place position in the 2005 National Poetry Slam and contributed to the Austin Poetry Slam team. His work has found its way into anthologies like “Freedom to Speak” (2003) and “In Our Own Words Volume 3” (2000). Fox has graced iconic venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Café and the Bowery Poetry Club with his compelling performances.
Beyond poetry, Fox ventured into the auditory realm with his weekly podcast, “Fox and the City,” earning the 2006 Best Local Podcast award from the Phoenix New Times during its tenure on Sirius Radio.
Currently a professor of communication studies at California State University, Long Beach, Fox resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to intertwine his passion for poetry, performance, and scholarly exploration, leaving an enduring impact on multiple facets of the creative and academic spheres.
His academic pursuits in performance studies have yielded publications in journals like Text and Performance Quarterly, Journal of Homosexuality, and Qualitative Inquiry. Ragan was also a contestant on the hit reality television series, Big Brother (Season 12).
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Robert ‘FlipSide’ Daniels: A Multifaceted Artistic Journey
Meet Robert Daniels, a multifaceted artist known professionally as FlipSide. Throughout his career, he has donned the roles of a journalist, a playwright, a poet, and an author. Hailing from Southern California, Daniels’s artistic journey is marked by diverse experiences and a relentless pursuit of creative expression.
Early Beginnings and a Passion for Music
Daniels’s artistic journey commenced at the tender age of 16 when he co-founded a local music magazine, dipping his toes into the world of public relations and journalism. It was the spark that ignited his passion for writing and storytelling.
Educational Pursuits and Academic Achievement
In pursuit of higher educational goals, Daniels left California and ventured to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. There, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and academic growth. He returned to California, armed with knowledge and degrees in Business Administration and Finance, acquired from Chaffey College. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his diverse career.
Teacher, Writer, Reporter
Daniels’s career trajectory took an intriguing turn when he ventured into teaching. Over a span of six years, he donned the role of an educator, teaching language arts and an early reading program at a K-6 school, and math at a middle school in San Bernardino. Simultaneously, he worked as a sports reporter for a local newspaper, demonstrating his ability to balance two distinct worlds.
Editor-in-Chief and Author
In 1999, Daniels embarked on a new chapter as the Editor-in-Chief of People’s Underground Beat (PUB) Magazine, an underground music publication based in Phoenix, Arizona. During his tenure at PUB, Daniels authored and published his first book, “Say Something… Or not … Whatever.” This period marked a significant step in his journey as a writer and editor.
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BlackPoet Ventures: A Creative Powerhouse
In 2005, Daniels joined the league of creative minds as one of the six co-founders of BlackPoet Ventures (BPV), a multimedia theatre company specializing in crafting plays infused with poetry and music. As the Director of Finance, he assumed a pivotal role in ensuring the economic well-being of the company. Over the next decade, BPV flourished as an influential arts organization, raising substantial grants and revenue, while involving more than 250 performers in twelve years of dynamic performances across multiple states.
A Writer and Web Transition Expert
Simultaneously, Daniels continued to lend his writing prowess to various publications. He joined the production team of the largest Black-owned newspaper in Arizona, contributing significantly to their transition from print to the digital realm. His work helped bridge the gap between traditional journalism and the evolving landscape of online media.
A Return to Education
In 2019, Daniels’s passion for education resurfaced. He became a teaching artist for a Mesa, Arizona-based company, taking on a leadership role in the East Valley. His responsibilities included overseeing five high schools and one junior high school in the Mesa School district, the largest public school district in Arizona, serving over 64,000 students.
The Next Chapter: Crystal Clear Next Level Enterprises
In 2021, Daniels embarked on a new chapter, joining his family’s business venture, Crystal Clear Next Level Enterprises, situated in Forney, Texas. This family endeavor focuses on trucking and logistics, marking a transition from the world of education and the arts to the realm of entrepreneurship.
Eager for Artistic Exploration
As he establishes himself in the vibrant state of Texas, Daniels is eager to explore new avenues for his artistry. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity and adaptability. With a background that spans teaching, journalism, writing, and entrepreneurship, Robert ‘FlipSide’ Daniels’s artistic voyage continues to evolve, promising new chapters filled with creativity and innovation.
From the tender age of 9, Serena Richardson, known in the poetic realm as ‘Wisdom Soul,’ embarked on a remarkable journey of self-expression through the written word. Her poetic odyssey began in 1997 when she graced the stage with her profound verses, earning her the moniker “Diva” for her unique and captivating poetic style.
A Divine Calling
Wisdom Soul’s journey as a poet is more than a mere artistic pursuit; it’s a sacred calling. She firmly believes that her gift is bestowed upon her by a higher power, a divine charge to deliver messages of positivity and speak words of truth. Her mission is clear: “To heal the world, One Soul, One Mind, One Mic at a time.” With every verse she pens and every word she speaks, she fulfills this mission, touching the hearts and minds of those who have the privilege to listen.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Known as “The Next Generation Host,” Wisdom Soul took her passion for poetry and the spoken word to new heights. She hosted her own online radio show, “The VYBe,” on Radiosupa.com. This platform was a spinoff from her original open mic show, “The VYBe,” which made a significant impact on the vibrant Phoenix downtown poetry scene. Her captivating hosting and performances have resonated with audiences in numerous poetry venues and hip-hop shows. Wisdom Soul played a pivotal role in organizing and hosting Arizona’s first All-Female Hip-Hop Showcase, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent of women in the industry.
A Star-Studded Journey
Wisdom Soul’s credits read like a who’s who of the entertainment world. She has graced the stage, opening for legendary artists such as Kurtis Blow, KRS ONE, Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, and Digable Planets. Her talents extend beyond the stage, with independent film credits for her appearance in “The Oracle,” directed by Alexis Films, and Jessica Holter’s “Don’t Say the P Word,” where she brought her own poetic works to life. She has also lent her voice to the works of world-renowned poets in several “Black Poet Ventures Poeticductions.”
A Multifaceted Artist
Wisdom Soul is not confined to a single medium; she is a poet, a director, and a television personality. Her directorial debut, “Soft & Wet,” marked a new chapter in her artistic journey. She also ventured into television as the host of the pilot program “Truth or False” for ABC 15, which aired in August of 2013. Her ability to seamlessly transition between these different roles demonstrates her versatility and creative prowess.
An Advocate for Empowerment
Wisdom Soul’s impact goes beyond the stage and the screen. She has shared stages with renowned actresses in Eve Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues,” directed by Vanessa Williams of HBO’s “Soul Food” series. Through her performances and advocacy, she continues to empower women and marginalized voices.
A Legacy of Achievement
In the tapestry of her illustrious career, Wisdom Soul considers opening for the 2013 Arizona Jazz Festival for Will Downing and Jill Scott as one of her most significant accomplishments. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of the spoken word, and her mission to heal and inspire remains unwavering.
As Wisdom Soul, Serena Richardson’s poetic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her words have the power to uplift, heal, and empower, and her legacy continues to grow, one verse at a time.
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Thomas Cooper has performed poetry around the Valley of the Sun since 2018 and regularly hosts Ghost Poetry Show and the All-Arizona Maricopa Slam. Cooper has published collections, his most recent being “Revenge of the Snowflakes,” and competed with teams at regional poetry competitions.
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Honoring the Journey: Corbet Dean’s Poetic Odyssey
In the realm of Arizona poetry, Corbet Dean stands as a remarkable voice shaped by a life-altering experience. It was an evening in May 1994 when tragedy struck, as three policemen were wounded by a lone gunman in Southwest Phoenix. Corbet, one of the injured officers, embarked on a transformative journey to process the profound impact of that fateful incident.
In 2000, Corbet was invited to share his powerful experience at the renowned Spoken Word Festival in Tempe, AZ. Through his poetry, he conveyed the raw emotions surrounding the confrontation, leaving a lasting impression. His exceptional performance caught the attention of Gary Mex Glazner, who lauded Corbet’s work in a festival review for About.com. The Mesa Tribune further recognized his talent by publishing a portion of his poem in an article celebrating Arizona’s poetry scene. Eventually, Corbet’s poignant verses found their place in the anthology “OFF THE CUFFS,” published by Soft Skull Press.
In the following years, Corbet’s poetic prowess continued to flourish. He clinched his first Grand Slam Championship in Arizona shortly after being named “Slam Artist of the Year” by his local venue. Corbet’s success persisted, securing another championship in 2001 and placing second in North America at the prestigious National Poetry Slam in Minneapolis in 2002.
Corbet’s reputation as a captivating performer spread, leading him to grace stages across the country. His poetic journey took him to iconic venues like the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in NYC, the Berkeley Slam in San Francisco, and the esteemed National Poetry Slam in Chicago. A testament to his artistry, Corbet’s unforgettable performance at the Bowery Poetry Club in 2003 was later featured on The Best of Urbana, 2003 CD. He continued to impress, achieving yet another “top ten” finish at the 2005 National Slam.
With an impressive record of seven local slam titles, Corbet Dean solidified his presence in the poetry scene. Amidst his relentless dedication to his craft, Corbet released three prose collections, edited a benefit anthology, and produced a captivating DVD film. His work found its way into esteemed publications such as The Arizona Republic, Freedom To Speak (Wordsmith Press), Poems from the Big Muddy (Wordsmith Press), High Desert Vocies (Wordsmith Press), An Idiot’s Guide to Slam Poetry (Alpha Books), and The Spoken Word Revolution Redux (Source Books). Anticipation grew for Corbet’s first full-length manuscript, “A Collection of Crime Scenes,” scheduled for release in 2007 through Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and his personal website.
Beyond his poetic endeavors, Corbet Dean currently serves as a police officer, determined to effect positive change within the system. During his time away from the department, he embarks on journeys across the country, sharing unique and profound poems that explore the essence of God, love, and the intricate tapestry of life itself. Corbet Dean’s resolute commitment to both his artistic expression and his pursuit of justice makes him an influential figure within the Arizona poetry landscape.
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Alberto Ríos, an acclaimed writer, weaves language into lyrical and unexpected forms, enchanting readers with his poems and short stories. His works reflect his Chicano heritage and incorporate elements of magical realism. Ríos developed a unique “third language” as a result of growing up in a Spanish-speaking family while being forced to speak English in school. Through his magical storytelling and poetic prowess, Ríos creates a bridge between cultures, bringing forth vivid portrayals of life on the border. His collections, such as “Whispering to Fool the Wind” and “Five Indiscretions,” showcase his ability to infuse magical realism into verse and explore gender issues. Ríos’s talent extends beyond poetry, as seen in his award-winning book of short stories, “The Iguana Killer: Twelve Stories of the Heart,” and subsequent collections.
He captures the luminous world of his childhood and border culture, mesmerizing readers with tales that border on the metafictional and magical realism. Ríos’s profound sensitivity and attention to detail breathe life into characters from small towns along the Arizona-Mexico border, transporting readers to another era. In his captivating memoir, Capirotada: A Nogales Memoir,” Ríos invites readers into his personal history and shares poignant anecdotes and finely drawn landscapes. With works like “The Smallest Muscle in the Human Body,” Ríos delves into childhood experiences, employing vivid imagery and evocative metaphors. While Ríos’s writing is rooted in his Chicano heritage, it transcends boundaries, celebrating the diversity and power of community. As a revered educator, Ríos imparts his wisdom to students at Arizona State University and serves as a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. In recognition of his contributions to literature, Ríos was appointed Arizona’s first poet laureate in 2013.
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Tomas Stanton: A Poet, Teaching Artist, and Advocate for Youth Empowerment
Tomas Stanton is a multifaceted individual who has made a profound impact through his artistry, teaching, and community activism. As a poet, writer, and teaching artist, he has dedicated himself to advancing the arts of spoken word and Hip Hop, using them as transformative platforms for youth development and civic engagement.
Throughout his journey, Tomas co-founded Phonetic Spit, an esteemed youth spoken word ensemble in Phoenix. Through the power of hip-hop pedagogy, he fearlessly inspires young individuals to express themselves boldly through poetry, dance, and theater. His teaching style draws from personal experiences of growing up in a single-parent household amidst poverty, navigating political issues, exploring personal identity, and understanding the profound essence of love.
With over a decade of experience in youth development, Tomas actively creates safe spaces across the Phoenix valley. His passion lies in nurturing young voices through the art of spoken word. By providing a supportive environment, he encourages them to fearlessly explore their creativity, offering solace, self-discovery, and a sense of belonging.
Tomas’s influence goes beyond artistic expression. He firmly believes that creative outlets can be powerful catalysts for positive change. Through his guidance, youth gain the confidence to delve into their emotions, experiences, and aspirations, empowering them to address social issues that impact their lives directly.
As a poet, teaching artist, and community activist, Tomas’s impact is immeasurable. He has dedicated himself to fostering trust, respect, and inclusivity within his teaching, enabling young minds to discover their authentic voices and embrace their unique perspectives.
