Denisha Coco Blossom and Anthony Xavier Jackson

On the 2/19/25 Edition of Dr Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour:

Denisha Coco Blossom joins the show to discuss how she aims to uplift the world with poetry. She cites music as an influence of her early poetics and reflects upon her journey from  open-mic nights to becoming  a published author. She then shares a poem from her book The Makings of a Project Queen titled, “Welcome to Opportunity” about her time at the University of California, Davis.  Blossom then explains her role in Sacramento-Area Youth Speaks, where she inspires the community and individuals alike through sharing culturally relevant literature and media with her students. Anthony Xavier Jackson is the next guest of the program, who joins in to speak on the release of his new book The Razor of Your Smile. He then details the lengthy process of collecting and curating the poems that make up his collection. Anthony Xavier Jackson then shares a poem in honor of the late Al Cortez, one of the original founders of the GTFO Poetry collective, titled “Promises.” He also outlines some upcoming projects the collective is working on, including publishing the posthumous works of Al Cortez. 

Denisha Coco Blossom is a Poet-Mentor, Educator, Author, and Scholar-Activist recognized for her advocacy, community empowerment, and storytelling. Raised in South Sacramento, she serves as Associate Director of Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS), mentoring youth to find their voices and create change. With degrees in African American Studies, Education, and Organizational Communication, Blossom combines her academic background with a passion for spoken word as a tool for healing and empowerment. She has performed at major events like the Sacramento Women’s March and opened for Hillary Clinton. Her accolades include the Sacramento Poetry Day Award and the SAYS Tupac Scholar Award. Her poetic memoir, The Makings of a Project Queen, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and her website, captures her journey, faith, and philosophy: Love yourself first before you lose yourself. To learn more about Denisha Coco Blossom, visit her website at www.cocoqueendom.com or visit her social media @cocoqueendom across all platforms. 

Anthony Xavier Jackson is the recent winner of The 2024 Sacramento Poetry Week’s Annual Poetry contest. Anthony Xavier Jackson has been writing poems and songs since his teens, drawing inspiration from sci-fi, myths, all genres of music, and all manner of spiritual pursuits, including recovery. Anthony has recently published his first collection of poetry, The Razor of Your Smile, available on Amazon and other venues. Anthony has enjoyed publishing honors from the likes of Bar Bar, Wingless Dreamer, Dipity, The Word’s Faire, and Tule Review 2024. Jackson is a member of GTFO Poetry Collective based in Sacramento. Find his poems paired with his music on SoundCloud and Bandcamp. Jackson is also a Substance Use Disorder Counselor who aspires to Social Work credentialing. He firmly believes everyone deserves healing.

The Poetry Night Reading Series takes place on first and third Thursdays of the month at 7 PM, is generously supported by the people and poets of the Sacramento Valley, by John Natsoulas, and by Thea and the other members of the staff at the John Natsoulas Gallery. Your host will be Dr. Andy Jones, the poet laureate emeritus of the City of Davis. The featured speakers of 2/20/25 will be Denisha Coco Blossom and Anthony Xavier Jackson.

Find out more about Dr. Andy's Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis, California by visiting http://www.poetryindavis.com. Invite your friends to sign up for the mailing list. To learn more about Dr. Andy’s tiny media fiefdom, subscribe to his weekly newsletter at https://andyjones.substack.com.