HYBRID EVENT

Join us for the release of Isaac Sundiata's Greens for my Blues

Book preorders available with ticket purchase.

Purchase virtual tickets to join via Zoom or join us in person at:

Sims Library of Poetry

2702 W Florence Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90043

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Hosts:

Osha & Melanie Luja aka Food & Socks

Guest Poets:

Tommy Domino
Lorenzo Frank
Paul Mabon
Jaha Zainabu

Guest Musician:

Andrew Acosta

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About Greens for my Blue:

Greens for my Blues is an authentic and unapologetic collection of poems by Isaac Sundiata presented in two sections. The Blues Poems are a carbon footprint of a time lived, remembered and expressed, bringing creativity to pain. The Greens represent life and growth, offering words to nourish seeds of gratitude, health, happiness and peace. Together, these two sections provide counterbalance in their expressions of the Black experience and the human condition. As Sundiata writes in the title poem “Blues is more serious than it seems / Yet, all it really needs is Greens”.

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Praise for Greens for my Blues:

“As a modern-day blues griot, Sundiata has garnered widespread acclaim for the ability to channel the spirit of music through his words. With a deep connection to the history and traditions of Africa, Sundiata’s poetry speaks to the struggle and triumphs of the human experience in a way that is timeless and utterly relevant. Whether performing on stage or writing on the page, Sundiata’s work is a powerful reminder of the enduring power and magic of poetry that can move, heal and inspire us all.”

— Melanie and Oshea Luja (Queen Socks & Food4Thought of Still Waters Network)

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“I began reading this wonderful collection and did not stop, completing it in one sitting. It is filled with history and truth encased in the profound thoughts of a great poet who continues to evolve. Drawing inspiration from his life’s experiences, Sundiata takes you on a journey that captures the depth of the Blues and the life-giving “Greens” of a people with a unique history. The creativity and power of his words validates our shared humanity. It is an honor to be a friend of this informative artist and great poet.

— Father Amde/Watts Prophet

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About Isaac Sundiata:

Isaac Sundiata is a poet with a history of participating and excelling in the arts with material grounded in the African American cultural experience.

Sundiata was one of the youngest members of the Watts Writers Workshop, a creative writing group established in the years following the Watts Rebellion of 1965. At age 13, he joined the group of screenwriters, playwrights, poets and actors who brought a dynamic mixture of politics, culture and art to the Los Angeles African American community.

As a result of his training with the Watts Writers Workshop, Sundiata landed several acting jobs. He also studied dance under the mentorship of Fayard Nicolas, one of the famed Nicolas Brothers. His dance skills lead to regular work as a performer at Disneyland.

While a student at Compton High School, Sundiata represented the school in speech and debate competitions, including qualifying for the California State Competition in Original Oratory for two consecutive years.

Sundiata continued to use his writing and speaking skills during college. He regularly spoke on campus issues impacting Black students and was a young adult speaker in support of Tom Bradley’s mayoral campaign. His political activism led to becoming a regular contributor to KPFK’s Freedom Now radio program and a house poet on Afrodisia.

Sundiata is a member of the World Stage Anansi Writers Workshop and the Beyond Baroque Revolutionary Poets Society. His work has been included in several national and local publications including African Voices, National American Society of Poets and Writers and Still Water Press. He has supported and worked with many local poets by sponsoring poetry workshops, open mic venues and presentations at local public schools. Sundiata was the founder of the Griot Cafe, a community arts night, an open mic event that took place for 15 years at Shades of Afrika in Long Beach, California.