Tribute to Mandela: An Evening of Poetry and Prose

Dr. Georgia S. McDade, originally from Louisiana, has been living and writing in Seattle for over three decades. As a youngster she wrote and produced plays for her siblings, neighbors and church youth. A charter member of the African-American Writers’ Alliance, McDade began bringing her original stories to an appreciative public in 1991.

Jacqueline (Jaye) Ware was born and raised in the PNW. Her meat and potatoes are in the legal profession, but butters her bread as a poet, spoken word artist, and playwright. Jaye enjoys developing unique material that creatively captures children’s stories, social justice, and injustice issues. With a special fondness for children and seniors, she frequently writes stories and poetry geared towards their age range. She is a member artist with the 4Culture Touring Arts Roster and the AAWA.

La Toya A. Hampton, MSW, artistically known as The Poet Lady Rose, is a Black and Indigenous queer creative force from Portland, Oregon. With a rich background in mental health, social work, education, filmmaking, and poetry, she began performing spoken word in 2008, taking on her stage name to honor her late father, Roosevelt. Her work—exploring Black pride, identity, spirituality, and healing the Mother Wound—has engaged diverse audiences, from open mics and stages shared with New York Times bestselling authors to the floor of the Oregon State House of Representatives. She uses poetry to build bridges, spark dialogue, and celebrate resilience, resistance, and our shared humanity.

Miz Floes is the proud recipient of the 2021 Gap Award, and the 2022 Artist at the Center, 2023 4Culture Projects, and 2022 Uptown Storefronts grants. My soul connection to literature inspired the evolution of this BIPOC writer, performance poet, theater producer, director, actress, and vocalist. I am an ever evolving artistic implant into Seattle; As an artist who employs a multidisciplinary approach to fuse poetic verse (spoken word), theater, live music, and movement; I seek to entertain, educate, advocate, and inspire positive collective progression. I am a current member of the African American Writers Alliance, and also the Griot Party Experience.

Noni Ervin is a literary artist bridging cultural legacy and contemporary life. Creator of Kinara Park Kids® and curator of Experiencing the Seven Principles: Kwanzaa Anthology, Vol 1, she crafts stories celebrating African American heritage. Her work spans children’s books, poetry, and memoirs, contributing to Mother.ly Magazine, South Seattle Emerald, and Killens Review. A leader in the Seattle-based African American Writers’ Alliance and founder of the Kwanzaa Awards, she transforms narratives into empowerment tools. Whether developing anthologies or delivering keynotes, her work nurtures resilience, sparks dialogue, and cultivates belonging through storytelling. Each project illuminates cultural pride with purpose.

“Half the time I think I’m crazy, and the other half I know I’m crazy,” says AAWA member Santiago Vega of himself. This craziness is akin to the craziness of Gandhi, Malcolm, and King; the kind of craziness that compels one to say what he believes is true though he may be forced to stand alone. After listening to some of his ideas, many folks realize his craziness is the kind that can change the world for the better, the kind of craziness the world needs. Multilingual and multi-talented, Santiago writes, recites, dances, and teaches. This musician shares his talent with many cultures. Knowing everything is political, Santiago usually always writes about political issues of the day. This poet/philosopher ought to be heard.