starting points

starting points

Starting Points - The Punchdown


Karla Brundage’s most recent collection Blood Lies/Race Traitor was published by Finishing Line Press in 2024. She facilitates cross-cultural exchanges between Oakland and West African poets and is the editor of three anthologies: Our Spirits Carry Our Voices, Sisters Across Oceans and Black Rootedness: 54 Poets from Africa to America.


Giovanna Lomanto is a Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and photographer who has published 2 poetry collections, 2 chapbooks, and a limited-edition art book. Her latest collection, driver’s seat echo, is available now. She currently serves as the co-publisher of the small press Game Over Books.


Ryan Nakano is an Okinawan/Japanese American poet, journalist and aspiring birder currently living in Huchiun, on the unceded lands of the Lisjan Ohlone (Oakland, CA.) His work has appeared in Riksha Magazine, Voicemail Poems and the Nichi Bei Weekly. His debut chapbook I Am Minor came out in February 2023 by Nomadic Press and will continue on through Black Lawrence Press.


Limited Open Mic to Follow!

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5:30pm Leg 2 - The Punchdown Wine Bar