Happy Birthday, Langston Hughes!

“Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.

(It never was America to me.) “

excerpt from “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes

Today, on this 1st day of Black History Month, we honor and celebrate the birthday of our namesake, Langston Hughes (2/1/1902 – 5/22/1967.)   Langston Hughes worked as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel (DC) in the 1920s, prior to gaining recognition as a poet. 

The great American writer wrote more than 60 books, including poems, novels, short stories, plays, children’s poetry, autobiographies, musicals, and operas. Order your copies of Langston Hughes’ works: https://linktr.ee/busboysandpoets

EVENTS

KaNikki Langston

Monday, February 1, 2021 @ 8 PM – 10 PM

Join us for a birthday tribute & open mic on Instagram Live, hosted by the 1st Black Poet Laureate of Alexandria, KaNikki Jakarta. 

Join us for a birthday tribute & open mic on Instagram Live, hosted by the 1st Black Poet Laureate of Alexandria, KaNikki Jakarta.

Bring your favorite Langston Hughes poem to share during the open mic!

instagram.com/busboysandpoets

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Wednesday, February 3, 2021 @ 4 PM – 9 PM

Meet us on the rink for an in-person celebration “Poetry on Ice” featuring poetry, music, a pop-up bookstore, food, drinks and ice skating at the site of our forthcoming location in Columbia, MD.

Another treat? Skating admission is just $7!

GET TICKETS
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DRINKS

WearyBlues Drink

Birthday CHEERS to Langston Hughes with our specialty cocktail, The Weary Blues.

  • Bourbon blend
  • lemon juice
  • honey syrup
  • muddled blueberries

available in single, double, and 33 oz servings order.busboysandpoets.com


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10. A visual and sensory feast.

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Delight a friend, family member, co-worker or maybe even yourself with a gift cards to Busboys and Poets! Our gift cards can be used to purchase food (mmm sweet potato pancakes), drinks (Langston Cooler, anyone?), books and any other items sold at our bookstore. This includes Busboys merch, notebooks, cards and other fun gifts. Send a physical … Continued

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Busboys and Poets Books Review: Never Stop

Halfway through reading “Never Stop”, it becomes apparent the title of Simba Sana’s new memoir is a clever double entendre that can be interpreted as: 1)    Never Stop in your pursuit of the best life for you. 2)    Never Stop keeping busy, lest you realize that you aren’t living your best life, regardless … Continued