Kalamu ya Salaam is the founder of NOMMO Literary Society. NOMMO is a New Orleans-based creative writing workshop whose members are published in national anthologies such as Dark Eros, Kente Cloth, Catch the Fire, and 360° A Revolution of Black Poets. He is also a founder of Runagate Press, which focuses on New Orleans and African-heritage cultures worldwide. Salaam is the leader of the WordBand, a poetry performance ensemble that combines poetry with blues, jazz and other forms of music. Salaam’s work includes the spoken word CD My Story, My Song (AFO Records) and his latest book What Is Life?. Born March 24, 1947, Salaam’s awards include national and regional awards for poetry, play writing, literary criticism, cultural criticism, and radio production. Salaam has served on numerous panels and boards, including NEA Literature panels. He has read his poetry and lectured at universities, community programs and institutions worldwide.
