Who We Are

Founders

Erik O'Neal, Executive Director

Born in Long Beach, N.Y., Erik's upbringing revolved around arts and activism. He cites seeing great orators like Ossie Davis and James Earl Jones as influences. Through encouragement from peers, he chose a path of poetry to avoid a life of illicit activities. Better known as King Savior Allah, the artist now has performed his poetry in various cities. His 2005 cd From The Collection: Somber City Blues, illustrates he is a product of a Hiphop generation striving for positive change. His poem "Smile" is catalogued in the Library of Congress.

Prior to creating BlackPoet Ventures, he was part of spoken word groups Politik N Poetry and Elevated Minds. Through Elevated Minds, he spent a full year conducting workshops and providing mentoring opportunities which focused on the development of creative thinking and problem solving through the art of poetry and spoken word as well as the promotion of self-awareness and self-esteem in at-risk youth. Erik, who is a member of the Phoenix-based band The Market, also worked as a music journalist with a local urban entertainment magazine.

William Ramsey Jr, Director of Artistic Development

Billy has studied and performed as a poet, actor, director, step master, musician, emcee and motivational speaker. His stage training began in the church choir at age 8. He began playing drums for a professional gospel-recording group at 10. By 12, he starred in several theatre productions, commercials and tv prograrms. Known as Issim Dark, the traveling poet released a spoken word cd in 2005 titled Soul Samples.

A graduate of University of Michigan with a bachelor's in public relations, Billy has worked with youth for more than 15 years developing and implementing programs for at-risk youth and adults in the following areas: gang intervention and prevention; teen issues; drug and alcohol abuse; cultural diversity; domestic violence; community involvement; recreation; and rites of passage.

Billy has provided speaking and entertainment services to various churches, non-profit and human services organizations – such as YMCA, Future Business Leaders of America and Greater Phoenix Urban League – as well as numerous public and charter schools.

Leah Marché, Director of Marketing and Communications

With more than 10 years in marketing, journalism and graphic design, Leah has worked for an NBA franchise, written and designed for several Valley publications and served on a dropout prevention subcommittee of the Phoenix Youth Commission. Leah holds public relations and journalism degrees.

Robert Daniels, Director of Finance and Business Development

Whether a math teacher, basketball coach, referee, tutor or mentor, Robert has worked with youth since a youth himself. The Southern California native has six year teaching experience as well as many years working for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and YMCA. He co-founded his first business – a music magazine – when he was 16. Later, he was editor of a music zine and co-producer of its radio program. Robert holds finance and business administration degrees.

Advisors

Capucine Jackson

Since 1989, Capucine has been involved in public relations, marketing and theatre programming. The Philadelphia native andRutgers graduate has worked with ASU Public Events, managing and assisting artists-in-residence, providing outreach and community relations activites, as well as introducing performing arts and new artistic oportunties to community-based organizations. She has served on the board of Arizona Juneteenth Tradition and was a grant panelist for Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Dr. Camilla Westenberg

Born in Arkansas, Camilla received a bachelor's in music education and English from University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas AM&N College). Her master's (Arizona State University) is in communication, focusing on code switching from the Black dialect to Standard English; her doctorate (nova University) is in higher education, focusing on curriculum development. She received a developmental education specialist certification from Kellogg Institure at Appalachian State University. The Phoenix College professor is coordinator for developmental English, advisor for the campus' Black Student Union and faculty advisor for the African-American Alumni Association. Among other classes, she teaches the course "Rap Literature: The Oral Tradition."

An inductee of the Phoenix College Alumni Association Faculty Hall of Face, she has received numerous grants and awards including the Maricopa County NAACP Image Award for education. The member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorortity, Inc. Delta Beta Omega chapter serves as vice president and chair of its annual Historically Black College and University Fair.

Rod Ambrose

Rod's background is extensive in theatre and community development. His work with innovative community and arts organizations has spanned 30 years. He has served the Black Theatre Troupe, Many Faces Theater, Hip Hop Drama Playhouse and the Independent Artists Performing Ensemble. Active in creating an Arizona Black Arts Commission.

A recreation coordinator with the City of Phoenix, Rod works at the South Phoenix Youth Center and focuses efforts on violence prevention with the program Project B.R.A.V.E. He also works to expand the goals of the 21st Century Vision Project for African Heritage, Arts & Culture.

Affiliations

The International Black Poets Society

As a member organization of this non-profit organization, we subscribe to its mission to provide a comprehensive vehicle for furthering support of and knowledge about poets and spoken word artists of the African Diaspora.

21st Century Vision Project for African Heritage, Arts & Culture

BlackPoet Ventures is part of a Vision Leadership Team that consists of leading African-American citizens residing in Arizona. As part of this team, we have made a commitment to the general task of developing a consensus vision document that reflects the aspirations of African arts, heritage and culture for future generations of Black people and other citizens residing in Arizona. Along with the 21st Century Youth & Community Theater Workshop, Project B.R.A.V.E., Keepin' It Real and The Emancipation Marathon, BlackPoet Ventures receives ongoing training and leadership development through the Project.

Planet Help 2001

A non-profit organization that strives to help individuals and society overcome the problems of substance abuse, gang violence, suicide, crime, child and spousal abuse, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, poverty and disadvantaged families.

The Arizona Slam Poetry League

A community association facilitating annual series of slam poetry events open to all poetry and literary organizations in Arizona.

The Black Theatre Troupe

Since 1970, The Black Theatre Troupe has promoted excellence in the performing arts with an emphasis on people of color. As the only professional African-American theatre company within the four-corner states, BTT conducts educational workshops, outreach programs and produces quality plays. From its proud but humble beginnings as a grassroots, creative outlet for restless, talented youth in the 70s, the Black Theatre Troupe is now a highly recognized theatre producing quality plays which reflect the heart and soul of the African-American experience.