About the Author

Poet Gold, Editor -A rare talent who grabs you by the heart and says Recognize - Poet, author, performer, songwriter, community Artivist and speaker, Bettina Poet Gold Wilkerson is pushing the boundaries of poetry and the spoken word. Living with a chronic illness since childhood, Poet Gold, or as she is affectionately known, Gold, brings a soul-searching insight about the human existence, love, dreams, challenges, and triumph.

Reviews

"In challenging times like these, poetry and the written word give expression to our col- lective experience, enrich our understanding with new insight and perspective, challenge us and inspire us. CAPS anthologies achieve this consistently by bringing together gifted artists from the Hudson Valley and across the world, and we thank you for the opportu- nity to explore perspectives on social justice, injustice, and liberation through this vibrant collection of work." - Senator Jen Metzger New York State Senate, 42nd District
"To inspire change, we must not shy away from difficult conversations and perhaps now more than ever, poetry provides an outlet to communicate with one other in a unique and beautiful way about important issues. Poet Gold's passion and energy for poetry is evident in all she does; she shared that passion throughout the county for two years as our Dutchess County Poet Laureate, and again as curator of this meaningful anthology." - Marc Molinaro Dutchess County Executive
"As we face a pandemic not unprecedented, as our nation is being fueled by hate trying for a TBT1619...open, honest, and vulnerable conversations while listening with our hearts and not our egos-these are all important factors in shifting that whole trajectory. Haram- bee (Kingston, NY) celebrates this assemblage of celebrated poets, writers, and slam artists of all nations, backgrounds, and colours as we call upon our ancestors to help us continue the dialogue, with all mutual respect, on how we will stand our ground as a coming to- gether of people...with one heart, one love...by all and every means necessary." - Tyrone Wilson Founder, Harambee Kingston NY Ulster County Commissioner of Human Resources
"Artists-the poets, writers, painters, performers, muralists, and musicians-have the abil- ity to distill the world they live in through their art. They are today's prophets, philoso- phers, and truth tellers that make sense of our lives and societies. This anthology put together in 2020 captures the urgent voices of poets harmonizing with the voices of the oppressed, the forgotten, the newly awakened, and the ignored. The call for change is clear, but as John Lewis stated, sometimes we need to get into necessary trouble to make change. These poems speak of memories, outrage, and a call for change using voices built through resiliency, yet moving ahead with hope." - Linda Marston-Reid visual artist, art writer Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson, NY
____________________Praise for CAPS Anthologies
"In the two decades in which I've been a CAPS fan, I have been wowed time and again by the poets and the poetry of my beloved Hudson Valley. What you hold in your hands is but the tip of a glorious iceberg, but what a refreshing tip it is!" - John Leonard Pielmeier, actor, poet, playwright (Agnes of God, The Boys of Winter, Hook's Tale, The Exorcist) novelist, (Hook's Tale); screenwriter (The Pillars of The Earth)