Letta Neely is a spoken word artist who has authored two books of poetry, Juba and Here, and was named "Best Local Author 2001" by a Boston Phoenix reader's poll. She has also written plays, including "Hamartia Blues" and "Shackles & Sugar." Twice a Lambda Literary Awards finalist for lesbian poetry, Letta frequents poetry readings around New England and is a regular slam poetry winner. She is an ardent civil rights activist who has done anti-homophobia training and educational outreach. Letta has also conducted writing workshops privately, in public schools, and at juvenile detention centers.