22nd Annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading

Join in the 22nd Annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading begin held at the RISD Museum. The gathering allows audiences young and old to learn about and experience the brilliance of Langston Hughes as a writer and voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Each year people from local communities participate by reading or performing select poems from Hughes’ extensive collection of work.

This event features special guest readers including Tina Cane, State Poet of Rhode Island and Robb Dimmick, well-known local artist and entrepreneur, scholarly commentary by Dr. Shawn Christian, Associate Provost, Wheaton College, and music by Daniel Ian Smith and his celebrated jazz trio.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Hughes’ death and his work still remains relevant in American history and popular culture offering insight on the racial divide and continuing to provide all Americans with a way to recognize that “You are America and I am America”.

*Make the most of your visit to the RISD Museum – join us prior to the reading for a gallery talk given by the Museum’s Spalter Fellows from 12:15 – 12:45 pm.