“Places of Purpose”

“Places of Purpose: @BusboysandPoets in Connnector Society

Busboys and Poets is a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted…a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul…a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide…we believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world. – BB&P Tribal Statement

What a statement!

Since 2005, Busboys and Poets has been a pillar in the DC poetic arts community. And no wonder! If the name doesn’t give it away, the inspiration behind the name sure will. A tribute to the late, great poet himself, Langston Hughes, Busboys pays homage to the once busboy turned acclaimed poet of the Harlem Renaissance era. 

Founded by Iraqi-American artist, activist, and restaurateur, Anas “Andy” Shallal, BB&P (as the locals say), has become a community resource for artists, activists, writers, and community builders of all kinds. So if you’re looking for something to do that will inspire, challenge, motivate, and uplift: Check out the event list HERE. 

Busboys is a stellar example of a business invested in building it’s surrounding community. Besides donating over 15% of their annual earnings to various organizations, they are also a member of “THINK LOCAL FIRST“, supporting DC’s local and independent businesses. 

The owner is so invested in building the DC community that he’s running for mayor! Seriously! Read more here. 

There are four regionally distinct locations to choose from and a fifth location on the way! If you are ever in the DC area, pay this spot a visit and tell them your connect sent you!

The Making of Busboys and Poets

A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets

We’re proud to announce A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets, the new memoir from our CEO and Founder, which reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind opening Busboys and Poets. Packed with misadventures, unexpected triumphs, and insights on race, business and politics, Andy Shallal’s memoir takes us on a “How I Built … Continued

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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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A Reflective Minute: The Crown Act Mural Unveiling in Anacostia

by Joy Zarembka, VP of Planning and Innovation Busboys and Poets is built, in part, on the premise of being a place where, “arts, politics and culture intentionally collide.” So there is no better place for Candice Taylor’s Crown Act Mural to be displayed than on the side of a wall of Busboys and Poets … Continued

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Watch Angela Davis in conversation with Amy Goodman

Last night a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock opened for a conversation with activist and scholar Angela Davis with Democracy Now!’s Amy Goodman at Busboys – 450K.  The private events room at 450K is named after Angela Davis and she signed a photo of herself on the mural created by our founder/CEO Andy … Continued

Valentine’s Day Picks with Busboys and Poets Books

Valentine’s Day Picks with Busboys and Poets Books

Whether you are spending this Valentine’s day with that special someone or curled up with a wine bottle alone on a reading binge, there is a book for you. Here is a quick overview of the best books to get for the 14th, because the best Valentine usually comes in the form of a hardcover … Continued

iViva Cuba

3. Cuba – The arrival

Our visit to Cuba is to see this first hand. This is a cultural trip. Not a political one. It is meant to open opportunities for dialogue and understanding between people in the United States and the Cuban people. I hope you will join me as we explore this island nation together.