Patrick Dixon is a retired teacher and commercial fisherman whose poems and photographs have been published in Oregon Coast, The Journal of Family Life, National Fisherman, Cirque and others. His chapter book, Arc of Visibility, won the 2015 Alabama State Poetry Society's annual Morris Memorial competition.

Together with teachers from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Chris Eide has led a statewide effort to improve the odds that young people from low-income families have access to schools. He is also an author, university lecturer, explorer, and poet.

Heidi Fosner is a singer/songwriter, educator and urban gardener. Tacoma resident since 1998.

John Hargis is a Digital Media Specialist at Tacoma Public Library's StoryLab. There he works to inspire young talent to develop, network and release all forms of media including music, video, audio, audition reels, resumes and press kits to prospective agencies. He currently teaches drums and music production in Gig Harbor, WA. John is a hand-drum enthusiast and has performed as a classic rock and blues musician in the Puget Sound area for the past 15 years.

Joy Misako St. Germain has been writing poetry and acting in the theatre since she was a young girl. Joy works as the Human Resources Director for the City of Tacoma.

Vicky M. Semones is an award-winning poet and photographer with a lifelong interest in spiritual and philosophical subjects. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. She was an acolyte at the Mary Magdalene Chapel in Oakland, California, and has brought her teaching skills and love of gnostic spirituality to the Center for Spiritual Living - Tacoma, having developed a 'Wisdom Circle' series on "Re-discovering Mary Magdalene." Vicky also posts her poetry at www.authorsden.com/semones

Shari Shelton is a writer and has edited and published anthology's for writers who examine Christian spirituality in contemporary life.

Lucas is the 2013-15 Tacoma Poet Laureate and launched "The Laureate Listening Project."

Dwayne is a regular participant in Tacoma Public Library's StoryLab, creating original beats and raps. When he heard about the listening project the day of the event, he created an original piece within two hours and recorded that same day.

The Summer at Peace Youth Leadership Class decided to take on the issue around stereotyping in their schools. This team poem represents their response to the stereotyping that they have experienced in high school and reclaiming of their identity on their own terms. Since they come from high schools throughout Tacoma, we have identified the place where they gave voice to their identities: at Peace Community Center in Tacoma's Hilltop Neighborhood.

TDH is a member of 2012 and has spent most of his career giving a voice to justice through hip hop. He often uses elements of his own story to inspire others.

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project; Ages 47 and 15.

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project; roommates, good friends, and quarantine buddies

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project; Danica optimizing her quarantine time by basking in some early spring light in front of her home

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project; Makeup artist Noelle Messinger standing outside of her apartment building.

A contribution from Abigail Kok's Porch Portrait Project