POHOP

Protected Poet:  Julian Blackmon, known professionally as The Protected Poet, is a celebrated spoken word artist and four-time Grand Slam Champion. His journey into the national spotlight began at Portland’s Big Foot Festival, where his evocative and passionate performances captured the attention of audiences and fellow poets alike. His talent and dedication to the craft soon led him to compete with the Berkeley Slam team, where he earned an impressive second-place finish, further cementing his reputation in the spoken word community.

As a dynamic and widely traveled performer, Blackmon has shared his artistry across the country, gracing stages in major cities such as Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Las Vegas, Portland, the Bay Area, and the Central Valley. His performances are known for their energy, authenticity, and emotional depth, drawing audiences into a powerful and transformative experience. His ability to connect with listeners through rhythm, storytelling, and raw emotion has made him a sought-after voice in contemporary spoken word poetry.

Beyond his work as a performer, Blackmon is also an accomplished author. His book, A Peace of Me, serves as an extension of his poetic mission, offering readers a profound exploration of healing, self-discovery, and personal resilience. Through his writing, he provides an intimate glimpse into his experiences and perspectives, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys toward growth and understanding.

With a deep commitment to artistic expression and community engagement, Blackmon continues to inspire audiences with his words, both on stage and in print. His work not only entertains but also challenges, uplifts, and encourages introspection, solidifying his place as a significant voice in the world of spoken word poetry.

Tera Da Poet:  Tera Da Poet is a multifaceted artist, educator, and activist whose work bridges the intersections of science, culture, and social justice. A passionate surfer and volunteer surf instructor, she finds inspiration in the ocean, using it as both a metaphor and a grounding force in her creative and advocacy work. She holds a strong academic background in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, where she developed the analytical skills and critical thinking that would later inform her approach to community-based activism and educational reform.

As the founder and executive director of S.T.E.A.M. Against Violence, Tera has dedicated herself to transforming Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) into a framework for healing and empowerment. Through this nonprofit organization, she creates opportunities for youth impacted by violence to engage with these disciplines in a way that fosters both intellectual growth and emotional resilience. By integrating artistic expression with scientific exploration, she challenges conventional educational paradigms, ensuring that young people—especially those from marginalized communities—have access to meaningful and transformative learning experiences. Her work underscores the importance of holistic education, where knowledge is not only acquired but also applied as a means of personal and collective healing.

Beyond her contributions to education and activism, Tera is an accomplished poet whose work is deeply rooted in cultural appreciation, social awareness, and emotional depth. Her poetry often centers on themes of resilience, recognition, and the affirmation of identity, with a particular focus on uplifting and honoring men, especially Black men. Through her art, she seeks to give them their flowers while they are alive, recognizing their struggles, triumphs, and contributions in a world that often fails to fully acknowledge them. Her poetry is both a form of tribute and a powerful commentary on the need for greater appreciation, love, and understanding within society.

Her creative journey has been profoundly shaped by her connection to nature and the ocean, which serve as both sources of inspiration and symbols of movement, fluidity, and transformation. This deep-rooted connection culminated in the release of her debut poetry EP, Flowers, a collection that encapsulates her artistic vision and social mission. Now available on all streaming platforms, Flowers represents a fusion of spoken word and musicality, offering audiences a rich and immersive experience that speaks to themes of gratitude, legacy, and human connection.

Through her work as an activist, educator, and artist, Tera continues to challenge and expand the ways in which learning, healing, and creative expression intersect. Whether through poetry, community outreach, or education, she remains committed to fostering a world where knowledge and artistry serve as tools for empowerment and social change.