CRC Poetry Fest to Feature Noah Hayes, Terry a O'Neal, Shenae Crain, and Takeitha Buford

In celebration of Black History Month, Cosumnes River College is holding a Poetry Festival featuring award-winning poets Noah Hayes, and Terry a O'Neal, CRC student Takitha Buford, and Delta College student Shenae Crain. The event starts at 12:00 and ends at 1:30 pm. I will host in the Recital Hall.

Noah "Supanova" Hayes is a multifaceted entertainer from the Sacramento area that blends his love of musical story telling and social consciousness to spread an uplifting message. Over the past 10 years, he has has the opportunity to perform in the British Isles, México, Canada, and Hawai'i. He was a member of the Sacramento Slam Team 2005-07 representing the Capital City in Albuquerque, NM and the following year in Austin, TX. Over the years, he's toured the nation performing at some of the premiere venues including Mic and Dim Lights (IE, CA) and Cafe Nuba (Denver, CO). In 2008 he earned his BA in Theater from Sacramento State. As an actor, he's performed with the Sacramento Opera as both a Principal and a chorus member from 1996-2004. in addition to his opera credits, Noah has performed with Sacramento Theater Company, Sons/Ancestors Players, Sacramento Music Circus, and B Street Theater. On the musical side, he has the pleasure to perform with Frank Dupree and the Midday Moon, Milt Hinton, Ray Naciemento, Carl Anderson, Tricia Yearwood.



Best Selling Author, Terry a O’Neal,has published poetry in numerous magazines, journals and newspapers. Her previous publications include three volumes of poetry, Motion Sickness, The Poet Speaks in Black and Good Mornin’ Glory; two children’s books, Ev’ry Little Soul and My Jazz Shoes; and the award winning family fiction novel Sweet Lavender.Terry has been named among the most popular African American female writers of our time, featured in a book entitled “Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature”—a list of women who’ve left a mark on the wider world through their writing. Her name in Lights: In recent times, Terry has ventured into the world of screenwriting, focusing on inspirational feature films for family audiences. Recently, she has completed a screenplay of her novel Sweet Lavender, which is currently resting in the hands of Hollywood producers.

In addition to her writing accomplishments, Terry is the editor of the annual youth poetry anthology, Make Some Noise! An anthology by inspired youth from all around the Unites States, Canada, Australia and Africa. In addition to her writing accomplishments, she is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Lend Your Hand, Inc. Educating the World’s Children.

“Her poems are reflective of African American culture and at the same time underscore our universal humanity.”

—Dr. Kevin Starr
State Librarian of California



Takeitha Buford was born in San Francisco, California to Keith and Stephanie Buford. She was the middle of five children and at a very young age developed a passion for reading and writing. Her parents later moved to Pacifica, California where she resided with her grandmother and grandfather majority of her high school years. She graduated from Oceana High School in 1998. She then attended several community colleges over the years, but felt that Cosumnes River College was a good fit to continue her education full time. She is currently studying Child Development and English at Cosumnes River College as well as working as a Student Assistant in the Humanities and Social Science department part time.


Shenaé Crain was born in Oakland, California. She graduated from Capitol City High School in Sacramento. She started writing around 9 years old. Her passion for poetry grew as she got older. She has performed some of her poetry pieces for her church; as well as on the spot whenever anyone has asked her to recite a poem. At a young age she realized that writing songs and poetry was one of her strong points. She believes that her poetry is a gift from God that she plans to utilize throughout her life. She recently transferred to Delta College in Stockton, and she plans to major in Literature.