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.
Panelists include poet Kenneth Carroll and scholar/activist Thomas Porter, moderated by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, the 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Prince George's County, MD and the executive director of the Hurston/Wright Foundation.
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ABOUT THE 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 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.
Khadijah Ali-Coleman, Ed.D., is a multifaceted cultural curator, educator, and award-winning artist known for her transformative work in the fields of arts and education. She is the second Poet Laureate of Prince George's County, Maryland and the author of the poetry collection, The Summoning of Black Joy (2023) and the children's book, Mariah's Maracas (2018). She is co-editor of the book, Homeschooling Black Children in the US (2022). A playwright, her plays have been presented on numerous stages, including the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, Capital Fringe Fest, Bonifant Theater, Anacostia Arts Center, Anacostia Playhouse, the Baltimore Project, Peace Corps Headquarters, and others. Her plays include Follow the Money, This is America; Miss Trudy's Birthday; Running: AMOK; Building Beautiful; Shades of Black; View from the Porch; The Understanding; I'll Send for You; Posterboard; and Fundable which was part of the 2020 Quadrant Playwright Series: City in Transition. As the 2023-2026 Poet Laureate of Prince George's County, MD, she if dedicated to shaping spaces into vibrant hubs of artistic and educational exploration.
Also known publicly as the artist Khadijah Moon, Dr. Ali-Coleman is a prolific writer and performance artist with achievements spanning various genres. She has received awards from the Maryland State Arts Council, Prince George's Social Innovation Fund and is a 2022 Watering Hole Poetry Fellow. She is the founder of the multidisciplinary arts group Liberated Muse, co-founder of the national education research group Black Family Homeschool Educators and Scholars, LLC (BFHES) and currently serves as the executive director of the Hurston/Wright Foundation.
The Remembering the Black Arts Movement Symposium is a program presented by the Hurston/Wright Foundation, the Prince George's County Arts Council's Office of the Poet Laureate and the Prince George's County Memorial Library System.
COST: FREE
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