James B. Golden

Inaugural Salinas Poet Laureate, James B. Golden’s passion for activism and equal rights led him to California State University, Northridge, where he earned an M.P.A. and a B.A. in Creative Writing and Pan African Studies Arts & Literature. Golden has a Master of Humanities Degree in English from Tiffin University. He earned a Doctor of Psychology from Phillips Graduate University in 2019. Golden is the author of four books: Sweet Potato Pie Underneath The Sun’s Broiler (2008), Afro Clouds & Nappy Rain (2011), The Inside Of An Orange (2012), and BULL: The Journey of a Freedom Icon (April 2014). BULL is the 2014 recipient of the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Award. His writing has been recognized by the National Steinbeck Center as a “phenomenal work of art.” During National Poetry Month (April 2014), Golden unveiled the historical Official City Poem for Salinas, CA entitled Wave To Salinas.