ABOUT | jawanzadumisani

About The Author

A native Detroiter, Jawanza Dumisani's first full length collection of poems, Black Raising Cane Over Red, celebrates Detroit's turbulent era with pervocative fondness. From street wise game to dope house drama, his eloquent, yet gritty style transports you back in time with switchblade precision. Beautifully spun narratives weave a tapestry that plunks you smack dab in the midst of Motown gladness while sharing the intimacy of his familytree. This stunning collection is part I of a two-book project chronicling his early youth followed by Urban Miaffa in 2015, a photo journey documenting Detroit's current struggle to not only survive, but re-emerge from a half century of decay spawned by the civil unrest of the sixties. A perfect coffee table companion, complimented by excerpts from Jawanza's poignant verse and more. Both on Glover Lane Press.

Since joining The World Stage Anassi Writer's in 1997, Jawanza Dumisani earned a scholarship in '03 and studied with Suzanne Lummis at UCLA. In '05 he recieved THE PEN AWARD and was mentored by Chris Abani. He served as Director of Literary Programming at The World Stage from 2005 to 2011 & currently serves as Executive Director of Lady Between The Lines Art Agency. Following publication of his first chapbook Stoetry on FarStarFire Press in 2008, Jawanza Dumisani continues to garner the praise of his peers across southern California and beyond.

Azaan Kamau, CEO-Glover Lane Press

The World Stage, Jawanza Dumisani, Azaan Kamau, Glover Lane Press, Poet, Wanda Coleman, Detroit

BLACK RAISING CANE OVER RED evolved partly from a principle practiced at The World Stage AnassiWriter's workshop. Honor the truth. From that single premise sprang theidea of sharing my personal story and familial history through poetry. That,coupled with growing up in such a colorful time and place like Detroit dur-ing the sixties provides historical context that transcends the very essence of this wonderful art form. Mrs. Kirk, my high school English teacher wasextremely influential in shaping not only my approach to a literary standardbut also the level of commitment imparted to the pursuit of the actual craft.

Jawanza Dumisani