Black History Month: Langston Hughes Community Poetry Kickoff

30 YEARS AND COUNTING: THE KICKOFF EVENT OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

On Sunday, February 2nd, from 1-3p, at the RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk, Providence, there will be a free and open to the public poetry reading to launch February as Black History Month. The Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading also celebrates their 30th year.

The event will bring a diverse group of readers, including students, community/business leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, teachers, parents, to join Rhode Island School of Design’s 18th President, Crystal Williams, and Rhode Island Poet Laureate Colin Channer, to the stage in celebration of Hughes, an international icon with local ties. The Leland Baker Trio will provide a musical accompaniment to the poetry readings. 

The festivities will also include a performance from Astro Mama; a silent auction with items including a Harlem Renaissance-era collectibles, an Ida B. Wells doll, and a mixed media piece from world-renowned artist, recent Pell Award recipient and RISD alum Bob Dilworth; and a surprise or two! 

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