Oakland's Citywide Poetry Anthology: Voices from the Middle

Voices from the Middle represents the rainbow of diversity that existsin the City of Oakland. These works act as a wonderful resource forparents, educators, community leaders and others concerned aboutour youth growing up in today's society; as this book sheds light andoffers solutions to the issues young people face in Oakland. Thiscollection of poetry is another reminder that together, we can do greatthings.-Ronald V. Dellums, Mayor, City of Oakland"As I read the words our (Oakland Unified School) children put onpaper, I began to cry. My tears were joyful tears because of allthe passion written in their words."-Karen B. Todd, Director of Project SOAR II"This fantastic poetry blends language, music, art and soul into asingle, sublime composition which captures the distinctive spirit thatmakes Oakland so wonderfully unique."-Dr. Kimberly Statham, State Administrator, Oakland UnifiedSchool District"This is a wonderful collection of the courageous voices of our youth,sharing the complexity of their lives, the world as they know it, theirfears, dreams, and hopes for the world that they will surely impact."-Emily Brizenndiner, Ed. D., Professor and Interim Dean, College ofEducation and Allied Studies, CA State University, East Bay, Hayward CA