Season 2 | E6:"Hiram Sims: Poet, Professor and Cultural Architect: From South Central to Literary Leadership"

In this episode, Soulful Expressions hosts Eugenia, Koko, Aunt Mae along with with talk show host Carl Nelson sit down with Hiram Sims — Poet, Professor, and founder of the Community Literature Initiative. Born and raised in South Central LA, Hiram shares how his personal experiences shaped his passion for storytelling, community, and creating space for Black voices in literature. We talk about his recent appointment as a Library Board Commissioner for the Los Angeles Public Library system, what it means to him, and what he hopes to bring to the role. Hiram also reflects on starting California’s first Black-owned poetry library, the growth of the Community Literature Initiative, and why representation in libraries matters more than ever. This conversation is honest, grounded, full of heart, and a look at how purpose, poetry, along with public service can come together to spark real change.