In this month's newsletter, learn about our recent trip to Cuba for the unveiling of a statue of Langston Hughes, led by acclaimed writer Alice Walker. Check out our virtual courses that start this week. And, be sure to register for our Remembering the Black Arts Movement Symposium that starts today in Prince George's County, MD.

Did you know that the late great Langston Hughes spent a considerable amount of time in Cuba during his lifetime?

Langston Hughes had a close friendship with Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén in the 1930’s and translated some of Guillén's early works. Hughes is also credited for influencing Guillén's views on race and cultural pride among those of the African diaspora, views that came up in Guillén's work and were trademarks of Hughes’ work.

On Feb. 1, award-winning author Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, led the unveiling of a Langston Hughes statue on his 123rd birthday. The unveiling took place at Casa de la Portia in Havana, Cuba. The statue and dedication service were sponsored by Andy Shallal who coordinated, through his restaurant, Busboys and Poets, a delegation of over 70 US arts administrators, writers, performing artists, visual artists and arts lovers, including Hurston/Wright’s executive director, Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, to attend. Alice Walker was invited to lead the unveiling of the statue because of her early relationship with Langston Hughes as a young writer. She shared with the delegation that Langston Hughes was one of her early mentors who she had the privilege of knowing personally. She co-authored the book, Langston Hughes: An American Poet in 1974 to highlight his work as a trailblazing author.

Earlier in the week,  Alice Walker received a commendation for her activism and literary work from Casa las Americas, a Cuban institution promoting Latin American and Caribbean Arts and Culture.

Nicolás Hernandez Guillén, president of his grandfather’s foundation, The Nicolás Guillén Foundation, and acclaimed poet, essayist, playwright and translator, Nancy Morejon were present for the festivities.

 

Mahogany L. Browne is a Kennedy Center Next 50 Fellow, Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy Award finalist and the inaugural Poet in Residence at Lincoln Center. She is also the co-founder of Brooklyn Slam. Brown is a prolific author, with notable works including Vinyl Moon, Chlorine Sky, Woke Baby, and Black Girl Magic. Her recent poetry collection, I Remember Death By Its Proximity to What I Love, addresses the impact of mass incarceration on women and children. Currently residing in Brooklyn, Browne serves as the Executive Director of JustMedia, a media literacy initiative supporting criminal justice leaders and community members. Drawing from her diverse career as a writer, organizer, and educator, Browne has received fellowships from Agnes Gund, Air Serenbe, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research, and Rauschenberg.

She will be presenting a poetry workshop that will lead participants through a poetic exploration influenced by both grief and love, while also responsive to political themes and the nuances of sound. The objective is to craft a piece shaped by form, breath, and the fundamental laws of nature. By integrating these elements, participants will seek to expand their understanding of poetry creation. Throughout the workshop, participants will gain insights into using poetic forms effectively while maintaining the authenticity and strength of their unique voice. Only 10 participants will be accepted into this intimate workshop.

Two selected applicants accepted into this workshop will be eligible to receive a scholarship sponsored by Penguin Random House. Deadline to apply is February 9th.

Opportunities for Youth Writers

Our Youth Writers Oral History Project Returns this Spring-- Virtually!

The Hurston/Wright Foundation's 2023 DC Youth Writer Oral History Program provides high school students with the opportunity to research and document the impact of Washington, D.C.'s political, social, and economic culture on the Black literary arts community-- and vice versa. By conducting interviews with Black writers in the area, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the community's history and the significant role that Black literary arts have played in shaping it. Through the creation of written and multimedia projects, participants will develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills, which are essential to engaging with diverse perspectives and fostering cross-cultural understanding. By sharing unique and universal stories, the program contributes to a broader understanding of the city's cultural diversity and history and helps to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

Participants will receive hands-on virtual instruction on capturing compelling historical narratives and presenting them publicly through written and digital platforms. Participants will research the impact of Washington, D.C.’s culture, community, and transient population on DC’s Black literary arts community in conjunction with in-person and virtual field trips. Youth participants will interview 5-10 Black writers based in the Washington DC metropolitan area to create written and multi-media projects documenting their findings. Participants will learn: 

• how to develop interview techniques and meaningful queries to pose to interviewees. 
• how to evoke relevance and highlight the importance of writers through the use of writing and media technology.
• how to optimize storytelling strategies by creating a multimedia presentation of their findings. 

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT EXCLUSIVE TO DC STUDENTS. STUDENTS LOCATED ALL OVER THE GLOBE ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. The program's meeting times are Eastern Standard Time. Homeschooled students are encouraged to apply. Questions? Email us at programs@hurstonwright.org

Our Virtual Writing and Professional Development Institute's Spring 2024 Semester is Now In Session

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