In Love Poems, Nikki Giovanni gives an empowered edge to the topics of sexuality, intimacy and what it means to love. Published in 1997, the collection’s poems span thirty years of her career as a writer. We hear Giovanni through many lenses: as a young woman, as an activist striving for change, as a lover, as an African American.

Giovanni’s talent as a performer is evident in the musicality of her verse. Love Poems reads like a compilation of songs, prayers, dialogue and stories, making it a dynamic reading experience. Her prose pieces are particularly powerful. “And Yeah…This is a Love Poem”, an emotional piece on the Million Man March, is as breathless as it is uplifting. “When Gamble and Huff Ruled” talks community and shared history through a poem about the black experience in the 1960s.

This slender volume will certainly be a favorite collection for fans of Giovanni’s work. The hardcover edition, available at all Busboys and Poets locations, would also make a lovely Valentine’s Day gift for a friend or significant other.

This review was generously provided by 14th and V Bookstore Supervisor Fran McCrae. Want to learn more about Love Poems and other works by Nikki Giovanni? Please join Busboys and Poets for an evening with this celebrated poet on Feb 10th, 2017 at our 5th & K location.

PHOTO 2024 02 01 07 10 14

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

PALESTINE WEEK 1920 x 1080 px 2

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

The Morning After

The Morning After

Its time for us to be the change we want to see in the world.

IMG 5599

DC VegFest Media Party at Takoma

We kicked off another year of DC VegFest by hosting the media party in the Guillén Room at Takoma to about 60 local and national influencers. For the last four years we’ve sponsored DC VegFest and have provided an overflowing buffet of various vegan foods from our catering and regular menu, like vegan “beef” sliders, … Continued

156921001 10157983852332555 2656631468027643476 o

The Nepal Chronicles #3

March 3, 2021 (in transit)… My layover in Doha was the shortest in history. 45 minutes to get from one end of the airport to the other. Luckily no customs or security checks. Just run! The onboard safety videos are interesting. In one there is a men’s soccer team acting like passengers and the coach … Continued