The Washington, DC-based ensemble of poets known for its messages of inspiration, empowerment, and social consciousness has performed locally and abroad. Collective Voices' international debut was in London, England, in 1998. Founded in 1995, the group’s current members include Sylvia Dianne "Ladi Di" Beverly, Andre "Brenardo" Taylor, and the group’s founder, J. Joy "Sistah Joy" Matthews Alford, who was appointed as Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, MD, in 2018. In addition to performing their original poetry, the group presents poetry workshops and coordinates arts-oriented activities throughout the Washington Metropolitan region. Of note, the group presented an annual arts-based tribute, Poetry Extravaganza, for 20 years, honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event was presented annually at the downtown Washington, DC-based Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, which was attended by hundreds each year. Collective Voices has self-published 2 chapbooks, Poetry and Prose For A New Millennium (2000) and Experience, Expression, Expansion (1996), and its members have published 6 individual books of poetry. Collective Voices' poetry has also appeared in numerous anthologies. The group and individual members of the group have received numerous awards and recognitions for artistic excellence, community service, and literary activism, including the 2002 Poet Laureate Special Award from the DCCAH for "outstanding contributions to the art of poetry in Washington, DC." With its debut performance at a women's shelter, Collective Voices has continued its socially-relevant presentations at numerous churches, schools, galleries, youth and senior support facilities and organizations, and at various regional, national, and international conferences and conventions. To Book, contact Sistah Joy at P. O. Box 2073, Clinton, MD 20735, or Poetsistahjoy@aol.com.
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