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?

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

AndyShallal PeaceandStruggle

Andy Shallal

Founder/CEO Andy Shallal is an artist, social entrepreneur and founder/CEO of Busboys and Poets, a restaurant group in the Washington Metropolitan area where art, culture and politics intentionally collide over mindfully sourced food, drinks, books and event programming. With six, soon to be seven locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, Busboys and Poets has … Continued

Thoughts After A Race Conference

Thoughts After A Race Conference

1. Challenge racism. Family and close friends is a good place to start. Try “calling them in” before “calling them out”. Use the “I” language. Engage, don’t retreat.

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Angela Davis coming to 450K

With Angela Davis coming to Busboys and Poets – 450K next month, we thought to re-read the full transcript of her iconic speech at the Women’s March in 2017.  Be sure to mark your calendars for October 11th, 2018 at 6:30pm.  Food and drinks will be available throughout the event and books will be available … Continued