Abolition: Imagining How We Get Free — Meet the Artists

Talea Barker

“My name is Talea, but I go by Tati! I'am 13 years old and from Seattle, WA. Since I can remember, I have always loved making art. More recently, I been interested in opportunities to give my art more exposure. Having my art in this project gives me the perfect chance to do this. I hope you fully enjoy.”

Byron Gaines II

“Byron is a young Black poet who focuses on inequality and human rights. He is known for his ability to paint vivid images through his words. He occasionally posts poetry on his instagram (@im.just.byron).”

Isha Hussein

“Hello, my name is Isha Hussein. I'm a 17 year old Black woman Muslim who wants to go to college to major in political science. I use different forms of art like writing poems, drawing, and writing songs to express my emotions when I feel like my world is falling apart. But music expresses my feelings, emotions, and desires. It's like music helps me create a world of my own while I use writing when my world is falling. Follow me on Tiktok: @Littlemissislam.”

Baylei Jones

“Baylei Jones is from Tacoma and is currently in the 7th grade. She loves singing, performing, painting, and playing soccer. In 2020, Baylei founded a new business "Baylei Cakes", which offers homemade poundcake loaves featuring seasonal and classic flavors! Connect with Baylei at bayleiblue.com@bayleiblue.com.”

Gloria Muhammad

“gloria joy kazuko muhammad is a literary arts teaching artist, educator, and writer. as a writer, gloria is inspired by spirituality, everyday life, nature, music, and cinematography. as a teaching artist, she enjoys hosting virtual writing workshops rooted in healing and personal development. for bookings, email: gloriajoymuhammad@gmail.com instagram: @whoisgloriajoy.”

Perseus (Percy) Rodda

“I'm Perseus Rodda, I use he/him pronouns. I make art for myself and to be able to express emotions that I can't with words.”

Iridian Sanchez

“My name is Iridian. I go to Harrison Prep High School. I am currently a sophomore. I like to sing draw and write.”

Odalys Sanchez

“My name is Odalys. I am currently a senior at Harrison Prep who enjoys expressing herself through many forms of art. I grew up in a Mexican household, cherishing our heritage and that is what has made me passionate about advocating for my people and my culture. I enjoy being creative through painting, poetry, and crafting to express my own thoughts and ideas as well as those of my community.”

PJ Sorem

“PJ is a 17-year-old high school student at the Tacoma Science and Math Institute. Their pronouns are they/them and they are genderqueer and mixed Filipino-American. PJ has been writing poetry since the sixth grade. They are in love with writing and creating art that reflects their life experiences. Instagram: @peej.ss.”

Alex Witzens

“Hi, I’m Alex Witzens. I’m an author, I’m currently in the works of publishing two new books centered around free hand poetry. In addition to writing I spend my time working in social justice for lgbtq+ youth, as I have for the last four years.”