Capitol Romance

From the Bride (The Proposal):

“Obi proposed during a double dinner date at Busboys & Poets – Shirlington the day before my birthday, also the location of our third date. Halfway through dinner he said something like ‘well I think you’ve waited long enough’ and got down on one knee- we’d been together for 5.5 years at the point. My best friend who was hiding around the corner filmed the whole thing! His best friend who was eating dinner with us also filmed the proposal! We’re so grateful to have that moment captured on video.”

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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

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

Thoughts After A Race Conference

Thoughts After A Race Conference

1. Challenge racism. Family and close friends is a good place to start. Try “calling them in” before “calling them out”. Use the “I” language. Engage, don’t retreat.