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:
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

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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

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Community Resources for COVID-19

Here are some resources that you may be able to take advantage of: Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you Back To School After Lockdown – Tips From An NHS Psychologist One Fair Wage – Emergency Funding for Tipped Employees/Service WorkersRWCF- Restaurant Workers COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund USBG- COVID-19 Relief Grants for Bartenders Restaurant Opportunities Centers- United … Continued