Phillip Shabazz is a distinguished poet, author, and independent teaching artist with over twenty years of experience as a poet-in-the-schools across North Carolina. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to "architectural rigor" and the exploration of musical traditions, specifically jazz and blues as a framework for poetic craft.Shabazz is the author of several acclaimed collections, including Moonflower, Flames in the Fire, and When the Grass Was Blue. His poetry has been featured in notable anthologies such as Paul Green: North Carolina Writers on the Legacy of the State's Most Celebrated Playwright, Home Is Where: African American Poetry from the Carolinas, and Crossing the Rift: North Carolina Poets on 9/11 & Its Aftermath.In addition to his work in primary and secondary education, he has served as a visiting writer and judge at various universities, including a recent engagement at Knox College. His work has appeared in respected journals such as The Florida Review, Fine Lines, and Queen's Quarterly. With Bubblegum Moon, Shabazz continues his long-term mission of mentorship and youth education, providing young readers with a sophisticated gateway into the power of verse.