Mike Sonksen
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.
Observing the changing Westside, the latest ebook technology, and preserved history in Boyle Heights.
First gaining fame while still at Fairfax High School, Mear One emerged in the late 1980s as one of the city's most daring and talented street artists.
Here's a run-down of a few events and books that really helped me close out October with a strong dose of art and culture.
Between fibbing politicians, fake memoirs, reality TV, cosmetic surgery, photoshop and botox, the truth can be elusive.
The masterfully executed book is an invaluable source of little known or forgotten but very necessary L.A. history.
Though the poem parodies the fashion world, many of the fashionistas are very progressive people. They are a big part of the city of Angels.
October was recently declared Architecture month by the city of Los Angeles. In honor, this edition of LA Letters pays tribute to some of my favorite structures in our fair city. There are far too many to list them all, but here's a few to begin with.
Whether it be in Wall Street, our presidential election or international politics, corruption is everywhere on both the micro and macro level.
Times change, streets change, buildings change, some stay the same and the ever-changing landscape of the city presses forward.
Our friends of poets, painters, DJs and musicians are the emerging superstars of the new American Avant-garde serenaded in this poem.
Arizona's attempt to ban books on Chicano/a Studies has inspired legions of young activist writers and thinkers to take action, empowered and bent on social justice.
Poet Gia Scott-Heron, daughter of the late Gil Scott-Heron, hailed by many as the Godfather of Rap, speaks about her father's work, their relationship and her own blossoming literary career.