About the Author
Karega Ani is a poet, designer, and composer from Houston, TX. A one-time student of the legendary Ntozake Shange, he has been refining his unique literary and performance style for nearly 20 years. Karega began developing his craft while earning his BS in Psychology at Prairie View A&M University. It was there that in 1998, he was afforded the opportunity to study African American Literature under the tutelage of Dr. Ntozake Shange (the award-winning poet and playwright of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuff" fame). Dr. Shange made a concerted effort to have her students study and analyze the works of poets and essayists representing The Harlem Renaissance, The Black Arts Movement, et. al. It was in the midst of this that Karega discovered, and began developing, his distinctive literary voice. Since that time, Karega has gone on to independently release 3 albums and multiple poetry chapbooks. He represented Houston on its first, second, and third National Poetry Slam Teams (not to mention his representing Detroit in 2006). He has performed at venues from coast to coast, both individually as well as alongside literary luminaries the likes of Sunni Patterson, Saul Williams, The Last Poets, Mutabaruka, Taalam Acey, et al. He has also been published in The Pierian Literary Journal (Albany State University), and has graced the pages of many, many other publications over the span of his career. He is currently based in Houston, TX. He is a proud husband, and father to two beautiful and dynamic children.