EVENT LINK: http://tinyurl.com/langston-hughes-poetry
February 2nd, 7pm-8:30pm EST, Virtual, Free
Attend a poetry reading celebrating the poetry and legacy of Langston Hughes with featured poets Micah Powell, C. Thomas, and Pi-anir.
This is the second event in Day Eight’s annual DC Poet Project series. Each DC Poet Project event includes 25 to 30 minutes of poetry by the featured poets, and equal time for reading by open mic participants, for the opportunity to win a $250 open mic prize, judged by the featured poets. Anyone can perform in the open mic, but only DC residents are eligible to win the cash prize.
This is a DC Poet Project event. The 2024 DC Poet Project series is curated by Regie Cabico, and supported by the DC Commission on The Arts and Humanities. Founded in 2017, The DC Poet Project is a poetry reading series and open-to-all poetry competition culminating in publication of a new book of poetry by a DC author. Each event includes reading by featured poets and an open mic. And at each series event the judges award a $250 cash prize to a winning open mic participant. Those winners are invited to compete in the culminating event to win a $1,000 book contract. The 2023 DC Poet Project winner was Brandon Douglas, author of Dipped in Cerulean.
ABOUT THE FEATURED POETS
Micah The Poet ( poet / performer / playwright ) is a writer, poet, author, orator, DJ, and community activist and has been featured in the Washington Post, Capturing Fire Productions, Busboys & Poets & the Bowery Poetry Club. His first full-length collection of poetry Things No One Else Wants to Say was published by Capturing Fire Press. Most notable recent performances include The Mayor’s District of Pride Showcase at Lincoln Theater, The Whitney Museum's 2022 Biennial, and Queer Family Pride Weekend. Micah the Poet captivates audiences with his colorful combination of words, music, and folklore. Micah is a true charismatic duality of the sane and insane. His eccentric nature entraps audiences to listen and just maybe, feel a little something...
C Thomas is a dynamic force of creativity, activism, and inspiration! As a Queer Black Non-Binary individual, they have harnessed the power of words and art to champion important causes such as Child Abuse Prevention, LGBTQIA rights, and Mental Health Awareness. Their journey has led them to become an award-winning poet, a dedicated teaching artist, and a prominent advocate for positive change. Recognized as a pioneer of poetry by the National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Award (NUSPA) in 2015, Christopher possesses the remarkable ability to both captivate audiences as a performer and as a host. Their magnetic presence has left an indelible mark on diverse platforms, from esteemed institutions like Angelina College, Georgetown University, Jefferson University, and Howard University to cultural spaces like Busboys and Poets, Studio 2001 Art Gallery, The Athenaeum, and the Torpedo Art Factory. They also lead the acclaimed discussion-based writer’s workshop, Writing to Wellness™, which empowers individuals to utilize poetry as a tool for healing while navigating trauma. Through poetry, advocacy, and a commitment to positive change, Christopher continues to shape a more inclusive, compassionate world.
Pi-Anir (Pronounced Pioneer), the Poet, is a “transplant’s transplant.” A Spoken word artist, Host, Teacher, Advocate, and Author from Chicago’s Westside, by way of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. A uniquely vast Poet whose life of adversity is the prelude to her most extraordinary stories. As a youth mentor and teaching artist Pi-Anir has developed creative writing and artistic programs to expose at-risk teens to poetry in a non-traditional sense. Her self-published work: “To the Goddess in My Garden; A Book of Poetry and Self-reflection.” is a part of her “Poetry with a Purpose” mindset. Pi-Anir believes that art saves lives and is passionate about spreading awareness through creativity about issues that affect the community. Her Poetic body of work includes a host of local venues across the US and International Performances in Iceland and Amsterdam. Pi-Anir has opened for such artists as Sunni Patterson and Maimouna Youssef (Mumu Fresh). She now calls Maryland in the D(M)V area home, where she is currently the host of Sound Off, a monthly open mic series that encourages artists of all genres to let their voices be heard. In addition, Pi-Anir has partnered with organizations that support mental illness, sexual assault, and endangered children to continue her mentoring and advocacy work. Pi-Anir the Poet can be found on Instagram and Facebook at Pianirthepoet and reached at Pi-anirthepoet@gmail.com.