Author talk w/ Tshaka Campbell - Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Emeritus

On February 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the Margie Edinger Room we will have a special author talk with poet and cultural advocate Tshaka Campbell! As the first Black Poet Laureate of Santa Clara County, he will be reading a selection of from his repertoire of works including pieces from his most recent collection, Blood at the Root. We are thrilled to host Tshaka at the library and be inspired by his artistry on the microphone. There will be a book signing and meet and greet at the end of the program.

Bio: Tshaka M. Campbell is a London-born, California-based poet, performer, and cultural advocate whose work bridges spoken word, literary craft, and social impact. Known for his powerful delivery and lyrical precision, Tshaka has performed internationally at venues including the Apollo Theater, the Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and London's O2 Arena. A former multi grand slam Champion and the first Black Poet Laureate of Santa Clara County, he has authored four poetry collections and released four spoken word albums, including his latest, NKISI- Spoken House. His work has appeared in BBC UK, Bridges Review, Rigorous, and more. Tshaka is the 2024 Periplus Fellow, poetry editor at Caesura, and sits on the boards of Silicon Valley Creates and Poetry Center San Jose. Through partnerships with organizations like the WHO, De Young Museum, and public transit agencies, he brings poetry into public life. He has recently released Blood at the Root with El Martillo Press in April 2025.

This event is sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS) for the National Day of Racial Healing. Support generously sponsored in partnership with the .

Your attendance to this program grants permission to the City of Santa Clara to take your photograph and/or your child's photograph for marketing purposes.

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