Check out how the staff of Busboys and Poets Books anticipate spending 2018 (hint: it involves a lot of reading).

  • Kris, Book Events Manager: “Last year my literary resolution was to read one book a week, for 52 books. I met that goal earlier this month (ending the year with 58!) so for 2018, I’m going to challenge myself to both transition more fully from poetry to creative nonfiction and to write more. To put a number on it, I’d like to have at least four finished/publishable pieces by the year end – one per season feels doable!”
  • Taren, Sidelines Buyer: “I’d like to catch up on some classic fiction from authors of color. I’ve been so buried into YA I️’m almost embarrassed to let y’all know who I️ haven’t read!! So for 2018 I’m doing a monthly challenge of a classic and a brand new title from any genre of choice that catches my interest.”
  • Fran, 14th and V Supervisor: “2018 is the year I finally read Ulysses.”
  • Kenlynn, Shirlington Supervisor: “In 2018 I will attend a literary event at each of the Busboys and Poets locations, and I will venture into the science fiction genre – exciting!”
  • Laura, Brookland Supervisor: “I’m going to finally read the Divine Comedy—actually pretty pumped since I bought a gorgeous edition of it!!”
  • Tsahai, Bookseller at Hyattsville: “I really want to read books on class and race in regards to legal policy. Oh, and I need to finish reading ‘Color of Law,’ ‘Age of Anger,’ ‘Failed,’ ‘White Trash: History of Class in America’ and so many more!

What are your resolutions?

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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

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

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Everest Base Camp #16

Holy tea on top of the mountain I am awake and somewhat refreshed and ready to take on today’s challenge. Big climbs don’t stress me out. Not anymore. I have a new menace. Lack of oxygen. Today this menace will be tested. On the way to Dengboche. At 14,500 feet. I am sitting with Dawa … 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