Check out how the staff of Busboys and Poets Books anticipate spending 2018 (hint: it involves a lot of reading).

  • Kris, Book Events Manager: “Last year my literary resolution was to read one book a week, for 52 books. I met that goal earlier this month (ending the year with 58!) so for 2018, I’m going to challenge myself to both transition more fully from poetry to creative nonfiction and to write more. To put a number on it, I’d like to have at least four finished/publishable pieces by the year end – one per season feels doable!”
  • Taren, Sidelines Buyer: “I’d like to catch up on some classic fiction from authors of color. I’ve been so buried into YA I️’m almost embarrassed to let y’all know who I️ haven’t read!! So for 2018 I’m doing a monthly challenge of a classic and a brand new title from any genre of choice that catches my interest.”
  • Fran, 14th and V Supervisor: “2018 is the year I finally read Ulysses.”
  • Kenlynn, Shirlington Supervisor: “In 2018 I will attend a literary event at each of the Busboys and Poets locations, and I will venture into the science fiction genre – exciting!”
  • Laura, Brookland Supervisor: “I’m going to finally read the Divine Comedy—actually pretty pumped since I bought a gorgeous edition of it!!”
  • Tsahai, Bookseller at Hyattsville: “I really want to read books on class and race in regards to legal policy. Oh, and I need to finish reading ‘Color of Law,’ ‘Age of Anger,’ ‘Failed,’ ‘White Trash: History of Class in America’ and so many more!

What are your resolutions?

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For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

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Xmas Eve Service at New Beginnings

Every Christmas Eve Busboys and Poets gathers a group of volunteers to go to New Beginnings Juvenile Detention Center to prepare and serve a special meal for youth serving time. A way of giving to our young people who may struggle particularly around the holiday season. Big thanks to all our volunteers! New Beginnings is … Continued

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Busboys and Poets Book Review: Anger is a Gift

Mark Oshiro’s contemporary YA fiction is an incredibly moving story about community, about love, and about taking a stand against prejudice and violence, even when it seems completely hopeless, and it is especially difficult to read. Especially for someone like me, caught up in my own privilege and ignorant of the struggles faced by people … Continued

“Places of Purpose”

“Places of Purpose”

“Busboys is a stellar example of a business invested in building it’s surrounding community…”