About

Tonya Maria Matthews, educator, poet, and social critic, is a woman on many worlds, crossing the boundaries between poet and performer.

Matthews is the author of 3 books of poetry, and appears on several audio compilations, including her own solo album, The Legend of Afrodite. Bringing to the stage and page a rare combination of poetic integrity and lyrical prowess, she has performed across the country and in Africa at poetry venues, music festivals, and social impact conferences.

Her poetry and other contributions are commemorated in a permanent exhibition at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and she is the original BlackWords Grand Slammin' Champion (1999). She has studied with Sonia Sanchez, and appeared alongside poetic and musical legends such as Tony Medina, Nikki Giovanni, Roy Ayers, and the late great Ray Charles.