This September, Busboys and Poets marks 20 years as a cultural hub in Washington, DC. Since 2005, we’ve been a place where art, culture, and politics intentionally collide—a space to take a deliberate pause, reflect, and connect. To honor this milestone, we’re hosting a month-long series of events, conversations, and special offers that celebrate the community, creativity, and activism that have defined Busboys and Poets for the past two decades. Join us as we look back on our journey and forward to the work still ahead.
FEATURED EVENTS
Sunday, September 7, 2025 5 PM @ 14th & V
A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets – Washington DC Book Launch with Andy Shallal and Amy Goodman
Join us to celebrate the release of Andy Shallal’s memoir: “A Seat at the Table” on the 20th anniversary of Busboys and Poets. A Seat at the Table is the story of the founding of Busboys and Poets, a Washington, D.C.-based restaurant that has become a celebrated hub for political activism. Named in honor of Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy while writing poetry, the restaurant is the creation of Andy Shallal, an Iraqi American restaurateur, artist, and activist. Andy Shallal will be in conversation with Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of Democracy Now!
Monday, September 8, 2025 6 PM @ 450K
Breaking The AIPAC Strangehold: Building A New Politics Through A New Policy with Josh Paul & Tariq Habash
A critical conversation with Josh Paul and Tariq Habash, two prominent voices challenging conventional U.S. policy toward the Middle East.
As former officials who resigned from government positions over America’s role in the region, Paul and Habash bring unique insights into how policy is shaped—and how it can be reimagined.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 6 PM @ 14th & V
The Collision of Sports, Politics and Culture with Dave Zirin, Etan Thomas, and Chuck Modiano
Award-winning political sportswriter Dave Zirin, author and former basketball player for the Washington Wizards Etan Thomas, and justice journalist and sportswriter Chuck Modiano are joining us on the Langston Hughes stage for a conversation about how sports, politics, and culture impact each other and our communities.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 6 PM @ 14th & V
Malcolm Lives! Book Talk with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
Join award-winning author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi to discuss the first major biography of Malcolm X for young people in more than thirty years.
As a youth, Malcolm endured violence, loss, hunger, foster care, racism, and being incarcerated. He emerged from it all to make a lasting impact. As a Black Muslim. As a family man. As a revolutionary. Malcolm’s life story shows the promise of every human being. Of you!
Friday, September 12, 2025 6 PM @ Takoma
Busboys and Poets Boozy Book Fair: Birthday Bash
Our first ever Boozy Book Fair! We’ll have a special curated selection of books and gifts for the book connoisseurs, the home librarians, and the folks who remember the thrill of getting newsprint catalogs with everything you could order at the incoming book fair. You’ll also have chances to win prizes with each purchase. $15/person, with each ticket including book fair entry, one drink ticket, and one reusable bag to take home.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 9 AM @ Columbia
Rise N Rhyme featuring Culture Queen
Rise + Rhyme is a morning storytelling and performance series for children with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists!
To celebrate our 20 year anniversary Busboys and Poets welcomes back: Culture Queen! $10 admission, FREE for children 2 years and younger. The suggested ages are children 2 – 8 years old.
Monday, September 15, 2025 6 PM @ 14th & V
Christian Nationalism and the Threat to Democracy with Dr Matthew D. Taylor
Religious studies scholar and author Dr. Matthew D. Taylor is joining us on the Busboys stage to discuss his book The Violent Take It By Force and the escalation of the Christian Nationalist movement that is threatening our democracy.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6 PM @ 450K
The Future of Chocolate City: A Conversation with Derek Musgrove and Andy Shallal
Derek Musgrove is joining us on the Angela Davis stage alongside Andy Shallal for a conversation about DC’s history of race and democracy, and the future of chocolate city.
Thursday, September 18, 2025 6 PM @ 14th & V
Prominent Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil in conversation with Karen Attiah, award-winning journalist and global thought leader.
Mahmoud Khalil, recently released after more than 100 days in U.S. immigration detention, is pursuing legal action against the government while continuing his advocacy for Palestinian rights and free expression.
Moderated by Karen Attiah, this event will also explore the broader implications of Khalil’s story: the intersections of immigration, human rights, and U.S. foreign policy — and what it means to stand firm in one’s convictions despite extraordinary personal costs.
Friday, September 19, 2025 6 PM @ 14th & V
The War on DEI: Where Do We Go From Here? A Conversation with Tim Wise
Join us for a conversation about the war on DEI and where we go from here with award-winning author Tim Wise. , Tim Wise is joining us on the Langston Hughes stage to dive deeper into the growing attacks on DEI and explore a path forward. Copies of his book Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America will be available for purchase.
Sunday, September 21, 2025 9 AM @ 450K
Peace Café
Peace Café is an on-going series of events designed to bring together Arabs, Jews, and those interested in working toward a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. The focus is on encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to share food and conversation.
Thursday, September 25, 2025 6 PM @ Brookland
ZAMI (details to be announced)
Sunday, September 28, 2025 6 PM @ 450K
Aiding and Abetting a Genocide with Max Blumenthal
Max Blumenthal is joining us on the Angela Davis stage to dive deeper into America’s past and present history of aiding and abetting genocide. Copies of his books The Management of Savagery, The 51 Day War, and Goliath will be available for purchase during and after the event, and Blumenthal will be signing following the program.
A.C.T.O.R. 5 PM @ Shirlington
details to be announced
A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) is a public discussion series. It provides the opportunity for people to come together and speak openly and honestly about issues of race, class and culture. The intent is that each person walks away from the discussion feeling something: challenged, educated, uncomfortable, enlightened, refreshed, reassured and hopefully inspired and moved to action!
For two decades, Busboys and Poets has been a home for the intersection of art, culture, and politics—a gathering space where creativity sparks dialogue and fuels change. Over 100 exhibitions have filled our walls, amplifying the voices of emerging and mid-career artists whose work blends aesthetics with activism. Together, these artists have helped communities transform thought into action, shaping visions of justice and possibility.
Along the way, we have been honored to collaborate with museums, galleries, and organizations including The Phillips Collection (What Would the 61st Piece of the Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence Look Like), the Smith Center for Healing Arts (Implicit Bias), Black Artists of DC (group show), Justice Arts Coalition (Creativity is My Freedom), Artomatic (joint 10th Anniversary Group Show), the Institute for Policy Studies (Orlando Letelier Murals), Columbia Lighthouse Center for the Blind (group show), Zenith Gallery (group show), and Charles Krause/Reporting Fine Art Gallery (group show). Their support has enriched our mission and expanded our reach.
For this 20th Anniversary Art Exhibition, Ways of Seeing, we proudly present the work of Sarah Barzmehri, Thalia Doukas, Laurel B. Jensen, and Carlos Walker. Their art invites viewers to look beyond the surface—where seemingly simple images reveal powerful commentaries on war and its atrocities, social injustice and systemic inequity.