Kevin heronJones is the first writer-in-residence for the city of Brampton. An author, poet, journalist, editor, actor, and lecturer, he is perhaps best known for his spoken word performances, as founder of the PoeticSoul poetry series, the Duel of the Iron Mic poetry series in collaboration with Unblind, the Iron Mic Slam at Ryerson [now Toronto Metropolitan University], the 1 Ness poetry series in collaboration with Al St. Louis, and When Words are Spoken. Kevin designed PoeticSoul as an organization dedicated to promoting the poetic arts scene, creating PoeticSoul Online Literary Journal in 2004 as the first online publication focused on the spoken word community in Canada. He also joined energies with AIM, the African Image Makers, an organization that has created scholarships for African students, organized fundraisers, and released a clothing line “with thought provoking designs and poetry that reflect the beauty of the Black Caribbean and African Community.” He writes “in the tradition of the ancient African griots who used stories and poetry to educate as well as entertain.”

Born in Toronto, raised in Muskoka; a resident of Elora, he is the author of several published and self-published books of poetry, historical research into the Guelph mafia, anti-slavery activism on the Grand River River; and has a book of monologues Echoes in the Timbers published in folio by the Elora Poetry Centre. Vocamus Press published his first chapbook, Rhythmic with Lyric, and recently produced his second,  Skidding with the Quarrymen,  which can be purchased through the Books for Sale link of the Elora Poetry Centre website. Jerry is also a playwright, former journalist, stone worker, and dancer.