Assata by Assata Shakur is a phenomenal memoir, in which Assata recounts her years as an active member of the Black Panther Party. In May of 1973 she was present at a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike, in which a white state trooper lost his life. She was then incarcerated for four years prior to her conviction on flimsy evidence as an accomplice to murder. The book gives the reader a sense of what growing up black in the 60s and 70s was like, while also critiquing activism and revolutionary groups of the time. Two years after her conviction, Assata escaped from prison and currently resides in Cuba where she was granted political asylum.  Assata’s resilience throughout all that she endures is truly inspiring and makes this an autobiography worth reading.     

One of the greatest works of magical realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude is easily Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ s most renowned novel.  Taking place in the mythical town of Macondo, the reader experiences love and lust, the variety of life, riches and poverty, and the search for peace and truth.  Marquez’s storytelling is distinct and captivating, seamlessly weaving politics, spirituality, and culture together. There is no better book to fully immerse yourself in and become enraptured with.

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For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

“Places of Purpose”

“Places of Purpose”

“Busboys is a stellar example of a business invested in building it’s surrounding community…”

Busboys and Poets Books Interview: E. Ethelbert Miller

Busboys and Poets Books Interview: E. Ethelbert Miller

February saw the release of If God Invented Baseball, the latest collection of poetry from DC legend and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller. A devoted fan of the Washington Nationals, Ethelbert celebrates in the book the magic of baseball and its lessons for life.  In advance of the poet’s upcoming event at Busboys and Poets … Continued

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Celebrate Poetry Month with Busboys and Poets

We celebrate poetry every day in our spaces. From the art, to the books, to our Tribe (several who are poets!), poetry surrounds us and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether it’s an Open Mic Night or just grabbing a few books of poetry to read, there’s no wrong way to celebrate with … Continued