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

A Girls Guide to Joining the Resistance Book Review

A Girls Guide to Joining the Resistance Book Review

Emma Gray’s tiny book of feminist resistance promises to be a guide to doing more and doing good in a world that seems to have turned against women all together. The book is extremely readable and well-put together, starring personal anecdotes, interviews with amazing activists, and step-by-step guides made to help us as readers do … Continued

Cuba Week Deck

Busboys and Poets Cuba Week 2022

October 15, 2022 – October 22, 2022 Join us at Busboys and Poets for Cuba Week 2022 as we celebrate the food, art, and culture of Cuba! Come and experience the authentic taste of Cuba at Busboys and Poets! We’ve partnered with the Embassy of Cuba’s head chef to bring you four very special dishes … Continued

transitioning to vegan

Transitioning to Vegan with Senator Cory Booker, Andy Shallal, and more

The Transitioning to Vegan panel, hosted by the Congressional Vegetarian Staff Association’s Maureen Cohen Harrington and Adam Sarvana took place today at the Russel Senate Office Building. It was a packed house with some awesome vegan advocates and a great introduction to the upcoming DC VegFest celebration highlighting vegan businesses and products. The panel included: … Continued