The Washington, DC-based ensemble of poets known for its messages of inspiration, empowerment, and social consciousness has performed locally and abroad. Collective Voices' international debut was in London, England, in 1998. Founded in 1995, the group’s current members include Sylvia Dianne "Ladi Di" Beverly, Andre "Brenardo" Taylor, and the group’s founder, J. Joy "Sistah Joy" Matthews Alford, who was appointed as Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, MD, in 2018. In addition to performing their original poetry, the group presents poetry workshops and coordinates arts-oriented activities throughout the Washington Metropolitan region. Of note, the group presented an annual arts-based tribute, Poetry Extravaganza, for 20 years, honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event was presented annually at the downtown Washin ...