Kara Jackson is known for being the 2019-2020 National Youth Poet Laureate from Oak Park, Illinois. But her art is not limited to one medium or one place. She writes poems but also essays and music that explore her family history, her southern roots, and how the legacy of racism continues to impact her and her communities. She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on what shapes her art.

Homeboy Industries has been part of Hector Verdugo's life for over 16 years. He's now their associate executive director, but he first received their guidance after getting arrested at 14 years old. Based in Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries and its founder Fr. Greg have helped Verdugo and other men like him recognize their full potential. Here's his Brief But Spectacular take on change and healing.

Peter Kahn has taught English and spoken word poetry to thousands of students at Chicago's Oak Park and River Forest High School since 1994. In collaboration with his current and former students, Kahn is releasing the anthology, "Respect the Mic: Celebrating 20 Years of Poetry from a Chicagoland High School." He gives a Brief But Spectacular take on how spoken word poetry amplifies student voice.

John Nwosu is a school guidance counselor at Garrett Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia who has worked to make sure each of his students is equipped with the tools to succeed, in and outside of the classroom. Nwosu gives us his Brief But Spectacular take on advocating for equity in the school system.