kwe (pronounced ku'ei) is an African poet, educator and musician born in Cameroon, raised in France and currently living in Chicago. In addition to earning degrees in Computer Science/Economics Management (BA - Ohio Wesleyan, 2000) and Humanities (MA - University of Chicago, 2003), kwe has worked as a strategy analyst for Boston-based internet venture capitalist CMGI, and as a technology consultant for Shiman Associates. After two years of teaching Philosophy, Music and Drama at the City Colleges of Chicago, kwe co-founded VNM to educate and empower youth voices through arts, media and technology.

keys: education, media arts, hip hop poetry, music, youth organizing, action research

Contact kwe for performances, in-class residencies, and professional development workshops.

Marvin Tate is a poet, actor and visual artist born in Chicago where he still lives and works. From performing his poetry and music on local and national radio and television to teaching workshops in schools and various arts organizations (Poetry Center, Old Town Folk, Young Chicago Authors), Marvin remains committed to 'turning kids on to poetry'. His work has been recorded, published in literary magazines and performed on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam.

keys: writing, poetry, acting

Contact Marvin for after-school opportunities and community partnerships.