Tonita Austin also known as “Toni Love” is a gifted poet and writer born and raised in West Philadelphia. Her love affair with words began in third grade and has been infused with moments inspired by the works of phenomenal artists. While attending Columbia University, Tonita was a student of Amiri Baraka and performed in Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls” as the Lady in Orange. Her work was often published in Columbia’s literary magazine and was highly influenced by both artists. Toni Love has been blessed to have shared the stage with her idols; world-renowned Poet Laureate Sonia Sanchez and Grammy-Nominated Ursula Rucker as a spotlight artist. Toni Love has performed in several of Suite Franchon’s “Peace Love and Poetry” shows at the World Café Live and Warm Daddy’s in Philadelphia as well as World Café Live in Delaware. She has gained recognition as an inspired artist and dedicated supporter of the arts through her performances at The Harvest, The Collective, and other notable venues. Ms. Love’s soul-stirring poetry captivates audiences as it explores the spectrum of human emotions as we travel through life. She transforms the mundane to the meaningful in a lyrical labyrinth where she serves as poetic guide. Ms. Love is a published writer with essays featured in The Black Body, a 2010 literary anthology edited by Meri Danquah poetry featured in the 2014 Winter edition of iMatter online magazine and most recently in the Winter 2017 edition of PAUL (The Philadelphia Art and Urban Literary) Magazine. She is a dynamic blogger, social media contributor, advocate, and speaker. Ms. Love’s life story is a tapestry that celebrates the richness of life created by interwoven strands of perseverance, creativity, passion, intellect, and purpose. She is the proud mother of James and Janai and her poetry CD titled The Restoration is her first published recording.
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For more information and bookings email Toni Love at tonitalove2@gmail.com
Mary Tonita Austin 