DYNAMIC DUO - Thursday, November 3, 2011, 6pm

Fighting Crime across The United States for the better part of the past 2 years, the Dynamic Duo is poetry’s favorite crime fighting pair.  Heralded for their high energy live performances involving complex dual voice work, comedy, and emotionally raw poetry Panama Soweto and Ken Arkind have brought their show to both coasts and all points in between. From The Nuyorican Poets Café and The Bowery Poetry Club in New York City to Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles, World Famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Yale, Rutgers and numerous universities, slam venues and high schools across the country. They have been featured in the documentaries "SPIT!" and "Slamplanet" and have been on a combined eight Denver area slam teams including the 2006 National Championship Team.  Their work covers subjects as far reaching and broad as politics and video games, depression and comic books, racism and relationships proving that poetry can be about whatever you want it to and that it can be enjoyed by anyone.

DION JORDAN - Friday, November 4, 2011, 9am

A native of Palm Springs, California, Dion is regarded as one of the most powerful and engaging professional speakers on the speaking circuit today. In 1999, Dion launched Dion Jordan Enterprises, a full-service international empowerment firm dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential and improve their performance.  He the highly acclaimed author of four books, including his two best sellers, All It Takes Is All That You’ve Got and MAXIUMUM POTENTIAL: 21 Empowering Believes of The World Class.  Dion Jordan’s life itself is a true testament to the power of positive thinking and infinite human potential.  What began as a young man’s desire to overcome his own physical and mental obstacles has grown into Jordan’s lifelong mission to help people reach their highest potential and obtain their greatest goals.  Dion Jordan's speeches are filled with compassion for people and their struggles. A certified speaker, author and consultant with over twenty years of experience, Dion is one of the nation's leading authorities in leadership and personal potential.  He has directly impacted the lives of thousands of people from several countries with his powerful and life changing speaking engagements, products, and live events.

SUSAN L. TAYLOR - Friday, November 4, 2011, 3pm

Susan L. Taylor is synonymous with Essence magazine, the brand she built—as its fashion and beauty editor, as editor-in-chief and editorial director.  For nearly three decades, as the driving force behind one of the most celebrated Black-owned businesses of our time, Taylor has become a legend in the magazine publishing world. And, for 27 years, she authored one of the magazine’s most popular columns, “In the Spirit.”  A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Taylor grew up in Harlem working with her father in his women’s clothing store. She founded her own cosmetics company, a first for Black women, which led to the beauty editor’s position at Essence. She is an author and an avid supporter of organizations such as the National Cares Mentoring Movement, Future PAC, and Shared Interest. A much sought-after speaker, Taylor inspires hope and encourages us to reclaim our lives and create sustainable communities.