It's been a bitter/sweet few days to say the least. The day before I flew to Kentucky to execute a now-successful poetry event for a client, I received a phone call informing me that my father, Bruce Jenkins Jr., was in the hospital here in Maryland and was in pretty bad shape, but stable. I flew out to Kentucky the next day (Friday) praying he'd still be with us when I returned. I made sure this was a very short trip (24hrs) so I could also see my 3 daughters perform in the Easter Sunday play at my home church, New Samaritan Baptist Church. I flew back on the earliest flight possible on Easter Sunday and got the chance to experience their brewing-greatness. However, shortly thereafter, I received a call from the hospital saying my father took a turn for the worse and we needed to make our way there. It would be our last chance. Fortunately, we got the opportunity to see him one last time, but, unfortunately, he passed away that evening. Although grieving, we've begun the homegoing planning process the next day (yesterday, Monday), but today is also my youngest daughter's 8th birthday. We've yet to tell the girls to shield them from having to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions we're dealing with at the moment given the two happy occasions I just mentioned just occurred and is currently occurring. We'll break it to them this coming weekend. While helping to plan the funeral, I'm also in the final planning stages of 2 back-to-back poetry events; one at South Carolina State University on this Thursday and the other here in DC at Howard University on Friday. Needless to say, I'm in a challenging place mentally, emotionally, and logistically. Usually, I don't post detailed posts like this; especially about the death of a loved one, but I thought it'd be, feel, and look weird (somewhat inappropriate) for me to continue enthusiastically posting and promoting about my events in a couple of days without sharing/mentioning the passing of my father. While I'm working my business, I'm also working through all of what I'm feeling. I'm ok... and I'll be ok. I just appreciate all of the condolences and support for our family during this tough time. Just know we are comforted in knowing that our earthly father is home with our heavenly Father... so all is well. Thank you all!

🎉Please join me in congratulating our very own @Joshua Clark, also known as Roses, for joining the Judge’s panel of Yecheilyah’s Annual Poetry Contest‼️ 👉🏾Head over to Instagram and let’s show the power of this community by sending him some love! 🌹 @sculptedrosescompany

Peace Family, I am Brother Earl A Poet out of NYC (HARLEM) that has over 25 Years in the Game as a Spoken Word Artist, Expressive Arts Therapist and Slam Refugee. Additionally, I have created several Poetry Albums that can be listened to and purchased at Brotherearl.bandcamp.com Touring and Collaborative Opportunities welcomed

I am Sherrie Wilkins. I typically go by Sherrie Yvette when on stage! Ofcourse I’m a poet who is also a truth and storyteller. I’m proud to be an educator who writes to challenge us all to slow down to stop and think about our lives outside of our daily walk. I am the author of 2 books! The most recent is titled, It’s Love: Poems and Prose from the Heart. Which is written with my husband who’s a musician so you can find our album with music and the poems via all places where you stream music! I have been honored to receive New Jim Crow Poetry Award for my poetry as it relates to social justice! My poetry has appeared in the Classic’s Capital Area Poetry Anthology, and I am grateful that my work resonates with readers across generations. I’ve spoken poetically to 1000’s of youth in my day. Through my poetry, I hope to encourage others to embrace their own voices and to reflect deeply! Connect here via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yessherriewilkins?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Hi everyone! My name is Michael Teferi, I am a BIPOC Poet, Writer, Positive Psychology Coach, and a Debut Poetry Book Author. I am originally from Ethiopia, yet I was born here in Washington, DC, and grew up in DC, Arlington, and Alexandria, VA. My aunt brought me here to Manassas, VA in the Summer of 2024. I love poetry with a passion. I write my poems based on inspiration, self-help, personal growth, and spirituality. I finished my debut poetry book in September 2025 and it’s called “Transformation: Way of creating one’s life anew”. I also finished my second poetry book in December 2025 and it’s called “Connection: Enjoying and appreciating life fully”. My third poetry book is in progress, as I have written 27 poems and I plan on writing additional poems until I complete my trilogy; My third poetry book is called “Phenomenal: Being who one is born to be”. Hope to hear back from you sometime soon everybody! I would love to connect with inspired readers, so please let me know your thoughts and opinions about myself and my poetry.