Eboni Ferguson is the author of Urban Chronicles of the Ghetto, written to breathe life into the realities of urban society. Dedicated to her cousin Shaheed Zair Jackson David, a young Philadelphia male who fell victim to the senseless violence all too familiar to inner-city residents, it explores the inner voice of the impoverished youth, revealing their concerns about violence/murder, education, poverty, and promiscuity. She is also the creator of “flow wit it,” an open mic that has featured some amazing poetry artists, such as Black Ice. She was a finalist on three seasons of CCPTV’s Emmy nominated spoken word poetry competition TV show Drop the Mic. She is currently working on her new book, Eve's Cloth, which will also be adapted into a play, as well as on three short films.

Guest Judges

Dr. Joan Bush, Dean of Educational Support Services and Chae Sweet, Dean of Liberal Studies
Catzie Vilayphonh is an award-winning writer and spoken word poet. As a founding member of the group Yellow Rage, she was one of the first Asian American females to appear on HBO's Def Poetry Jam. Through her work, she provides an awareness not often heard, drawing from personal narrative. Throughout her artistic career, Catzie has been a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Award recipient, a 2012 Creative Capital finalist, a four-time Leeway Foundation honoree and was most recently named a 2016 Woman Non-Profit Leader by Philadelphia City Council. She is a co-founding chair of the Lao American Writer Summit, an active volunteer with the Lao Family Community Organization of Philadelphia and was recently appointed to the Mayor's Commission on Asian American Affairs. A child of refugees, Catzie was born in camp, on the way to America, and thus considers herself part of the ".5 Generation." She resides in South Philly with her daughter Aditi.

Guest Judge

Danny Simmons, producer of “Def Poetry Jam”
David Ross (a.k.a. Native Son) is a performance poet and writer from Maryland who delivers his poems with quintessential hip hop flavor. He is a passionate activist on violence prevention, spearheading the Promoting Healthy Alternatives for Teens program at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Medical Center. In 2002, David published his first book of poetry, Speech Impediments, and released several albums of music and poetry with his band, The 5th L. He has performed on countless stages and facilitated creative writing workshops at more than 250 grade schools and universities throughout the nation. Among his accomplishments, David has received a distinguished Living Legend award from Baltimore City Council, appeared on BET’s Lyric Café, and shared stages with many legendary artists, such as KRS-ONE, Lucille Clifton, and The Last Poets. Some of his earlier works of poetry are on permanent display at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore.

His work is available for purchase online under his production company's name, The 5th L, at iTunes, Amazon.com and CDbaby. Please visit Facebook for tour schedules.

Guest Judges

Dr. Guy Generals, President of the College and Dr. Judy Gay, VP of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff