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News & Announcements
What's New
New releases, media features, milestones, and updates from Dr. Barbara Talley and Radiance Talley.
Latest
Featured News
Sold-Out Debut: Poetic Narrative Theater at Sandy Spring Museum
The Poets Speak made history with their first-ever Poetic Narrative Theater experience at the Sandy Spring Museum — and the room was packed. Tickets sold out weeks in advance as Dr. Barbara Talley and Radiance Talley wove original poetry, personal narrative, and live performance into a single, unforgettable evening. The response from the audience was overwhelming, and the energy in the room confirmed what we have always believed: words, when spoken with intention, can transform a space.
View Past Events →The Poets Speak Is Here
Welcome to The Poets Speak — the mother-daughter literary and speaking company founded by Dr. Barbara Talley and Radiance Talley. Our mission: to use the power of words to heal communities, ignite justice, and awaken hope across generations. Explore our work, browse our books, and reach out to book a speaker.
Meet the Founders →Barbara & Radiance Join Rainn Wilson's Baha'i Blogcast
Barbara and Radiance Talley joined Rainn Wilson as the very first mother-daughter duo on his Baha'i Blogcast. They spoke about poetry, the 'Arise: Pupil of the Eye' conference, activism, and what it means to work toward racial harmony — sharing original poems that offered a raw and heartfelt glimpse into their lives as African Americans in the US.
Radiance's Poetry Featured on CNN's This Is Life with Lisa Ling
In 2019, Radiance wrote a series sharing the love stories of interracial Baha'i couples. Two years later, the producer of CNN's "This Is Life With Lisa Ling" reached out after reading it. Lisa Ling's team traveled to Maryland to interview Maxine and Jim Oliver — the couple from Radiance's very first article — honoring their 55-year marriage. In the CNN segment, Radiance can be heard reciting the first stanza of her poem "A Love at First Sight Story," written in tribute to them.
Watch the CNN Segment →Archive
All Announcements
2015
AwardDr. Barbara Named Maryland Mother of the Year
Dr. Barbara Talley was honored as Maryland Mother of the Year in 2015 — a recognition of her decades of service to family, community, and the pursuit of justice and healing.
Milestone
MilestoneDr. Barbara: 45 Years of Service Across 22 Countries
Dr. Barbara Talley has dedicated more than 45 years to serving communities across 22 countries and 44 states. From classrooms to conference stages, her commitment to healing, education, and justice has never wavered.
Milestone
MilestoneRadiance Performs at One Planet Summit, Gratitude Network & ARISE
Radiance Talley has performed original poetry at the One Planet Summit, the Gratitude Network Summit, and ARISE conferences — bringing her signature voice on justice, identity, and healing to international audiences.