C. Leigh McInnis, an instructor from Jackson State, was the former editor and publisher of Black Magnolia magazine and is the author of collections of poetry, a collection of short stories and a book of literary criticism. He was first runner up of a contest named after Amiri Baraka and Sonia Sanchez.

He is also the co-author of a book about Hollis Watkins, a noted Southern activist... His work has been published in several literary publicatons, and in 2009 he was one of nine poets invited to celebrate Obama's election in the Inaugural Poetry Reading. In addition, he had the pleasure of working with Prince and has interesting views on DuBois and his view of the role of Art.. He has spoken all over the country on topics ranging from Creative Writing, Publishing, Music, Diversity in Literature, and much more!!!

 

Also joining us tonight will be Rissi Palmer, a noted musician currently residing in Durham, who also has recorded country music tracks. She was a contestant who did quite well on the Voice.