FEATURED POETS

Walela Nehanda (they/them) is a queer, non binary, author of critically acclaimed Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir (Penguin Teen). They are a fellow for Ford & Mellon’s 2024 Disability Futures cohort & a member of Out 100’s 2020 Class of “ripple inducing change makers” alongside Janelle Monae & Andre Leon Talley. Nationally renowned for how their writing and stage presence “shatters mirrors and windows to reveal the jagged shards of self-determination,” Walela provides workshops, keynotes, hosting, performances, and lectures across the country ranging from academic institutions like University of Iowa to The Atlantic’s People v. Cancer Summit. Their writing has been featured in TIME , The Poetry Foundation, SELF Magazine & they have been interviewed by publications such as: The Cut, Nylon Magazine, The Guardian, and more. Walela currently resides in their hometown of Los Angeles, California and is typically fixated on astrology, killer whales, figure skating, researching archival practices, and cultural commentary.

Yazmin Monet Watkins is a poet, comedian, screenwriter, actress, educator, organizer, avid roller skater and adventurer. She can be seen on season two of Grand Crew and has co-developed and written pilots with Netflix and Comedy Central alongside Paul Downs, Lucia Aniello and the all Black female comedy group, Obama’s Other Daughters. She has empowered audiences at countless universities, festivals, and institutions and has had commissioned work with prestigious institutions including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the California African American Museum, Center Theatre Group and The Lincoln Center. Her full length book of poems, A Vessel Born to Float with Andrews McMeel Publishing is available now. Watkins’ serves as the co-chair of the Arts & Culture committee for Black Lives Matter Los Angeles and her body of work weaves art and activism, exploring the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, self-love and all things Black Girl Magic. Once Beyoncé said she liked her hair.

Shelley Bruce (they/she) is a 4th generation, Black Los Angelino, sharing her service work with a focus on the arts, healing and social justice. With two Bachelors in Ethnic Studies and Fine Art, for the past 15 years, Shelley has performed poetry at countless shows, directed nonprofit organizations, and organized social justice programs throughout Southern California. She has most notably traveled to Washington DC, New York, Ghana, London, Barcelona, and across Southern California sharing her creative expression. Her first book of poetry titled On Blooming (2018) , first poetry album Heaven Here (2021), and newest poetry EP “MVP.iii” (2024) reflect some of her published bodies of work. Shelley is also the founder of grassroots movements Day of Healing and BIPOC cultural production company The Heart Dept. Her central focus is to create wellbeing for all people through compassion-centered, sustainable movements.

ABOUT The Heart Dept

The Heart Dept (THD) is a heartbeat for BIPOC cultural programming at the intersection of arts, wellness & social justice. Founded July, 2022, The Heart Dept (THD) was inspired by our original movement of alternative protests “Day of Healing” from 2020. THD began as a physical space of community connection, and now 3 years later has blossomed into a widespread production company serving various missions locally and internationally. THD"s goal is to see small businesses, social movements, nonprofits and community causes thrive. We aim through our own events, consultation and leadership to contribute to Collective Liberation at home and around the world.