B.
Lit Doesn’t Quit
Neither
rain nor darkness nor insufficient signage nor inconveniently located (for easy
transport of one’s event materials) kept the B. Lit Black Literature Festival
organizers, participants, supporters or vendors from being inspired,
entertained, and enlightened at Goucher College last Saturday night! A spirit
of openheartedness and camaraderie permeated the venue and that inviting
feeling deepened throughout the night as talented poets and musicians performed
with compelling artistry and emotional gravitas.
Vendors
Paparazzi, and a blinged-out accessories artisan (whose sister saved me from a
daunting hike from the visitors’ parking area to the venue), Olivia L. Baylor
of Before “I Do” counseling resources, the Jesus Gang (who also rapped like
superstars), and Urban Unicorn all offered an irresistible variety of
merchandise along with encouragement and networking opportunities.
Thank
you to the American University grad student who interviewed everyone and
recorded (most of?) this B. Lit event.
Much
love and gratitude to Kenneth, the event founder and organizer whose vision and
tenacity have generated an essential platform for artistic expression,
exposure, amplification, recognition, and appreciation for the multifaceted
complexity of Black Culture. Kenneth said that the challenging circumstances on
Saturday night reminded him about inheriting from our enslaved and
discriminated against ancestors the legacy of overcoming obstacles in order to
thrive. He said being reminded of that inheritance during an event held in
honor of Black History Month seemed appropriate. Agreed.
Thank
you to Goucher College for providing the venue on their charming campus.
Special
thanks to the students who played Tic Tac Trope, then invited me to participate
in their upcoming event on Sunday, April 28, 2019. (More details to come.) So
generous!
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