Jermaine Hughes

Jermaine Hughes, a native of Oakland, discovered poetry in high school when a friend invited him to a Poetry Slam hosted by Youth Speaks. He quickly immersed himself in the after school workshops led by Marc Bamuthi Joseph at Berkeley High School. He began to be present at most rallies and protests, where his poetry was infused with passion with a group called P.O.W.E.R..

Unchurched as a lad his conversion to Christianity at the age of 20 was powerful, but came at a high price. Most of his friendships couldn't sustain this blow to their kinship. His gift was soon buried beneath a number of scriptures and activities that had his attention. He began to preach at the age of 21 and pursued schooling in ministry. The darkest time in his life landed him in 12 Step programs where he learned to be focused on being good at the small thingsthat lead to a more stable and centered life.

Throughout his career as a poet he has performed at schools, community centers and churches alike to speak to issues such as police brutality, gentrification, human trafficking, struggles with sin personally and recovery through his poetry. He's rubbed shoulders with Ise Lyfe, Chinaka Hodge, Rafael Santiago, and other artists from the Bay Area. He, therefore, has a unique

perspective on life that both electrifies and informs the crowd, while providing plenty of food for thought.