James Coats is a poet, performer, and educator born in Los Angeles and raised in Southern California. With a passion for all things creative, he strives to capture authentic self-expression through his work whether photography, painting or writing. He believes that poetry has the ability to bring diverse groups together, offering a way to connect through shared challenges, achievements and experiences. You can find him attending poetry readings throughout California or follow his poetry via his Instagram @MrLovingWords. Additionally, you can take a poetry workshop with him through his organization Lift Our Voices Education which hosts an award winning workshop monthly called Be The Change: Social Justice Writing Workshop.