Oakland's Chinatown has a history every bit as compelling as its more famous neighbor across San Francisco Bay. Chinese have been a presence in Oakland since the 1850s, bringing with them a rich and complex tradition that survived legalized discrimination that lingered until the 1950s. Once confined to a small area of downtown where restaurants stir-fried, laundries steamed, and vegetable stands crowded the sidewalks, Chinese gradually moved out into every area of Oakland, and the stands evolved into corner groceries that cemented entire neighborhoods. Chinese helped Oakland grow into a modern business and cultural center and have gained prominence in every aspect of the city's commerce, politics, and arts.

POETRY Art is the universal language of the soul. In its truest form it lifts the spirit and consciousness of not only those that create it, but every being that experiences it. For it is this attribute we believe above all others that unites us as one-human family. In our darkest moments it is this light that shines through the artist into the hearts and minds of the world. Th is anthology is the perfect opportunity for us not to only listen to, but to see life through the eyes of theses amazing young poets. And in doing so, we look beyond the challenges of today to the hopes, dreams and answers of tomorrow. We are not defi ned by the things we possess or the clothes that we wear, but by our imagination of things others cannot see. It pleases us to support Project SOAR, a Federal funded project that encourages students to open their minds and hearts. To imagine and to reach beyond what they know so far, into the world of their hearts where a wonderful future lies. And this project is inspirational as well as practical because it gives students tools to make their dreams come true. For it is this that makes us truly architects of a new dawn. Carlos Santana (Guitarist & Founder for AOAND www.architectsofanewdawn.com) Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D. and Diane Cirincione, PhD (Best-selling author of Love is Letting Go of Fear and Founders of the International Attitudinal Healing Center www.AHInternational.org) Emelda King (Oaklander Youth Advocate) It is essential to see creative education taught in our public schools. This poetry anthology gives students the wonderful opportunity to share their deepest feelings and their highest dreams. When we share our insights with others, we build community, which works towards joining, and not separating us as a human race. Amana Harris, Associate Director of Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc. - West Oakland www.AHC-Oakland.org These writings are from the kids that inherited the world we made for them. What a rich collection from the voices of the future. Janell Moon, Poet Laureate of Emeryville 2011-2012