On Thursday, June 20, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Harlem’s Schomburg Center, African Voices, the premier Black literary arts magazine, will honor award-winning author, poet and professor Tony Medina (“Broke Baroque,” “Bum Rush the Page: A Def Poetry Jam,” “The President Looks Like Me & Other Poems” and many others). Enjoy an evening of poetry, music and conversation with special guests, novelist Asha Bandele (“The Prisoner’s Wife,” “Daughter,” “Something Like Beautiful”), Dr. Brenda Greene, director of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, and a live performance by Shelley Nicole’s blaKbushe, one of New York City’s funkiest bands. WQXR radio host Terrance McKnight will serve as the master of ceremonies.
The event is also in celebration of the magazine’s recently released 20th anniversary issue, which includes an interview with Medina on his forthcoming book, “Broke Baroque.” The literary awards ceremony will be held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd. (135th Street and Lenox Avenue). Tickets are $35, or $30 each for two or more. For tickets and information, visit www.africanvoices.com or call 212-865-2982.
“We’re very proud to celebrate Tony Medina’s contributions as a writer, activist and educator. He has inspired so many young talented poets and artists to pursue publishing opportunities by offering them valuable guidance and direction,” said Carolyn A. Butts, African Voices publisher. “Tony embodies the spirit of our literary award–he’s a great creative voice in literature and an outstanding mentor who has taken the time to pave the way for young voices to be heard in the arts.”