Ruth Forman is the author of three award-winning poetry books: We Are the Young Magicians , Renaissance , and children’s book, Young Cornrows Callin Out the Moon . She is the recipient of the Barnard New Women Poets Prize, The Pen Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award, The Durfee Artist Fellowship, and the National Council of Teachers of English Notable Book Award, and  she has been recognized by The American Library Association. A graduate of UC Berkeley and USC film school, Ruth works to inspire others with the power and magic of language, frequently collaborating on music and film projects, and providing readings and workshops to a wide variety of audiences. Ruth has presented in forums such as the United Nations, the PBS series The United States of Poetry and NPR. Ruth is a former teacher of creative writing with USC and June Jordan’s Poetry for the People program at UC Berkeley. She's also a nine-year faculty member with the VONA-Voices writing program. Her latest book of poetry is Prayers Like Shoes .

Camera, interview & editing by Jack Gordon