Registration now closed

Remembering the Black Arts Movement Symposium: The Poetry of Amiri Baraka

Presented by the Hurston/Wright Foundation in partnership with the PGAHC Office of the Poet Laureate

Celebrate Amiri Baraka's impact on the Black Arts Movement with captivating poetry readings and an insightful panel discussion led by esteemed community leaders. This program honors Baraka's legacy and explores its enduring influence on contemporary artistic and social landscapes.

Photo source

Poet, writer, teacher, and political activist Amiri Baraka was born Everett LeRoi Jones in 1934 in Newark, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University and Howard University, spent three years in the U.S. Air Force, and returned to New York City to attend Columbia University and the New School for Social Research. Baraka was well known for his strident social criticism, often writing in an incendiary style that made it difficult for some audiences and critics to respond with objectivity to his works. Throughout most of his career, his method in poetry, drama, fiction, and essays was confrontational, calculated to shock and awaken audiences to the political concerns of black Americans. For decades, Baraka was one of the most prominent voices in the world of American literature.

Panelists

Kenneth Carroll is a native Washingtonian, writer, and youth development specialist. His writings have appeared in numerous literary journals, national magazines, and newspapers. He was a 2021 nominee for the Pushcart Poetry Prize and the 2021 Blood Orange Review winner in fiction. He received the White House Humanities Award for his youth literacy work while director of DC WritersCorps. He is the former director of the African American Writers Guild and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Nuyorican Café, Library of Congress, universities, and cultural institutions around the country. His book of poetry is entitled So What: For The White Dude Who Said This Ain’t Poetry.”

Thomas J. Porter, a seasoned leader and visionary in the realms of entertainment, broadcasting, and public service, has built a distinguished career marked by a commitment to community engagement and cultural enrichment. Currently serving as the President of SonBoy Entertainment and SonBoy Records since 1995, Thomas has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the arts. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a platform that supports and promotes diverse talents within the entertainment industry. 

Before venturing into the entertainment sector, Thomas held the position of Executive Director at the National Jazz Service Organization from 1993 to 1995. During this time, he played a pivotal role in advancing the appreciation and understanding of jazz, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the nation. Prior to his work in jazz, Thomas served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Blacks in Public Broadcasting from 1991 to 1993. His advocacy for equitable representation in media showcased his commitment to amplifying Black voices within the public broadcasting landscape.

In the early 1990s, Thomas took on the responsibilities of General Manager and Program Director at WPFW Pacifica Radio, leaving an indelible mark on the station's programming and community engagement efforts. Thomas's foray into politics saw him as the Democratic Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2nd District of Ohio in 1984, showcasing his dedication to public service.

His journey in leadership began earlier in his career as the Executive Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change in Atlanta, GA, from 1972 to 1973. During this period, Thomas actively contributed to the center's mission of fostering social change and advancing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Throughout his multifaceted career, Thomas J. Porter has consistently demonstrated a passion for the arts, a commitment to community development, and a dedication to promoting diverse voices in various spheres of influence.

Remembering the Black Arts Movement is a multi-day symposium that presents panels, readings, and discussions centered on the writers, work, and impact of the Black Arts Movement. This movement, named for a group of motivated Black poets, artists, dramatists, musicians, and writers, emerged in the wake of significant civil rights activism and legislation. The event will shine a spotlight on the work and impact of notable writers from the movement, including Nikki Giovanni, Amiri Baraka, Ntozake Shange, Gil Scott-Heron, Sonia Sanchez, and Audre Lorde. Each day is designed to provide community members with the opportunity to meet each other, learn about the profound influence of the Black Arts Movement, and connect with local artists, scholars, and historians based in the DMV.