This is an annual poetry reading in the East Bay, formerly hosted by the West Oakland Library. Each year for the past 11 or so years we have adopted the yearly theme selected by Association of African American Life and History (ASALH, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson). This year the theme is Black Resistance. The poetry reading is Sat., Feb. 25, 2023, from 10 AM PT to 1 PM PT.
We are really excited to feature two outstanding Black women writers: Ayodele “Word Slanger” Nzinga, MFA, Ph.D. who is also Oakland’s Poet Laureate. She is the inaugural adult poet laureate.
Avotcja, multi-percussionist, poet, playwright, radio host and teacher is also featured. An elder, her work inspires as it instructs. Both poets are women who use art to instruct and change those within the sound of their voices.
We are calling the names of recent ancestors Oaklanders Fred T. Smith, Muziki Roberson, Anita Pointer, Bill Russell and other national and international stars—keep shining: Sidney Poitier, Fred T. Smith, Lani Guinier, Valerie Boyd, Mary Alice Smith, Bill Russell, Nichelle Nichols, Mable John, Coolio, Pele (Essence). These ancestors were living example of Black Resistance—
Greatness! Asẹ.
The program will be an online, broadcast through Facebook.com/wandaspicks Sat., Feb. 25, 2023, from 10 AM PT to 1 PM PT.
Here is a link to the 32nd Annual AACP in Feb. 2022 (FB.com/wandaspicks). We dedicated the program to Christine Saed, Al Young and bell hooks.
This link is for the 31st Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry.
Here is a link to the 30th Annual Celebration of African American Poets and Their Poetry blog entry.
This year we collaborate for the second year with Karla Brundage, West Oakland to West Africa.
The Street Poetz 