Thoughts After A Race Conference

Andy Shallal –

I just got back from a race conference in Atlanta, Georgia – here are 5 takeaways on how White people can be allies to marginalized communities in these trying times:
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.
2. Don’t wear a safety pin. I know, you want to show that you are not racist. A safety pin is not the way. People who are affected by racism, sexism, homophobia, islamophobia and other isms know who their allies are. They just do.
3. Read books and writings by current Black and Brown writers. Not just Ta Nehisi Coates (which is not a bad beginning), but many others like Roxanne Gay and Jose Antonio Vargas.
4. Be prepared to be uncomfortable. Being comfortable in these discomforting times is not an option. This means listening more and saying less.
5. Expose yourself to races and cultures other than yours. Be more inclusive. Go to a museum, a church, a concert, anything. See Jacob Lawrence’s Migration series at The Phillips Collection. Go to an open mic program. Anything.

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

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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

Pop-Up Cafe at Artomatic

Pop-Up Cafe at Artomatic

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Busboys and Poets Book Review: Solo

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The Nepal Chronicles #4

March 4, 2021… I am awakened by knocks on my hotel room. I ignore them. I am in and out of sleep. The knocks stop and I check the time. It is now 10 am. Just as I am about to doze back, the phone rings. The operator tells me there is a medical team … Continued

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Busboys and Poets First Date Story: Pauline and Tim

So we found out from Instagram that Pauline and Tim, who are now married, had their first date at Busboys and Poets. Then Tim proposed to Pauline at the Hyattsville open mic! We asked them to tell us about their first date, how they found each other and relationship advice!   What did you two … Continued