We’re 30+ days into the longest federal government shutdown in history with no sure sign of when it’ll actually end (reopening for three weeks does not count, Mr. President.) The State of the Union address was scheduled to take place on January 29, 2019, but has never been given during a government shutdown. What should we expect from Congress and the President? That’s unsure, but what’s certain for you is an enjoyable night at Busboys and Poets!

We’re here to deliver the State of the Union People, a series of alternative State of the Union events. Spend the night hearing from an array of voices across our different locations. You’ll hear about the state of our nation in the form of conversation, discussion, comedy and poetry.

We’ll be joined by Ralph Nader in Conversation with Andy Shallal, Hamberder: Comedy Showcase of Covfefe Proportions, Dan Imhoff for The Farm Bill: A Citizen’s Guide and State of the People Open Mic and more, along with our regularly programmed Tuesday night events.

Come and join us for a night to remember! You can check out the list of events below to find out what’s happening on January 29, 2019 at Busboys and Poets.

List of State of the People Events and events on January 29, 2019

Busboys and Poets 450K:
Busboys and Poets 14th & V:
Busboys and Poets Takoma:
Busboys and Poets Brookland:
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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

15 Influential, Iconic, and Inspiring Women Writers Through History

15 Influential, Iconic, and Inspiring Women Writers Through History

15 Influential, Iconic, and Inspiring Women Writers Through History Come into one of our Busboys and Poets bookshops and we can direct you to any number of wonderful books by women. From the high fantasy of N.K. Jemison to the sublime poetry of Joy Harjo to the intense investigations of Monique W. Morris we are … Continued

7. Cuba – the unveiling of the plaque

Follow along for the Busboys and Poets Travel Tribe’s Cultural Exchange trip to Cuba (July 6-13, 2022) By Andy Shallal (@andyshallal CEO/Founder, Busboys and Poets) Nicolas Guillen’s office overlooks the lush gardens of the Union of Writers and Artists. It is frozen in time. The rotary telephone. The Royal typewriter. Even the original chair and desk. … Continued

Busboys and Poets Books Holiday Picks for Kids!

Busboys and Poets Books Holiday Picks for Kids!

“Mary Had a Little Glam” is a modern twist on a classic nursery rhyme featuring a young girl named Mary who has an eye for fashion and loves to share her gift with others. When she notices her classmates, some of whom are also children featured in popular nursery rhymes, are looking a bit drab, … Continued