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 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
30 for 30: Shanelle Gabriel
{teaser}
“Here’s to resisting the dominant narrative”
Poet, playwright, activist Staceyann Chin performed two sold out shows in DC; one at 5th & K and one at Hyattsville
“On D.C.’s U Street, can’t we all just swagger along?”
Owner Andy Shallal’s letter to the editor in the Washington Post in response to an article about “swagger jacking”
President Obama meets with former inmates in the Langston Room
President Obama met at Busboys and Poets 14th & V to have lunch with a group of former inmates. He was joined by senior advisor Valerie Jarrett. The Obama administration chose to have their meeting with us since we banned the box in 2009.