Festival 2024

“A Burning House” – MLK and The American Experience

We will explore the complexities of belonging, justice, and collective responsibility in our contemporary moment.

Reading with Isisara Bey and Keith Colón, Jr.

The Prophet, a reading in honor of the 101st anniversary of this classic book of 26 prose poems written by the acclaimed Lebanese-American writer, Khalil Gibran, accompanied by violinist Keith Colón, Jr.

Below the Surface: A History In African American Printmaking

Listen in on a rare conversation with two masterful printmakers from the DC area as we unpack the rich tradition of printmaking as a medium for artistic expression.

Film Screening: It Was All a Dream

A visual memoir from director dream hampton's personal archives about the dawn of the golden era of hip hop.

A Quiet Word

Join us for the A Quiet Word, a community silent reading experience, blending of literature, music, and conversation. Bring your favorite book, or just what you're reading now.

James Baldwin: Born With the Thunder

Join the March On Festival for an opening tribute celebrating the enduring impact of James Baldwin as a prolific author and activist. With filmmaker Karen Thorsen, scholar Dr. Frank Leon Roberts, Influencer Cree Myles, dancer joseph webb and percussionist Kevin Butler. Jr. Moderator: Anthony Coley.

And the Word Was Good, a day of celebrating books presented in partnership with Penguin Random House

And the Word Was Good, a day of celebrating books presented in partnership with Penguin Random House.

The Legends: A Conversation with Walter Mosley, Faith Childs, Malaika Adero, & W. Paul Coates

Listen in on a stimulating dialogue with these pioneers, creative lights and longtime colleagues in the contemporary publishing world, from writers and agents, to editors and publishers.

A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde Screening

An epic portrait of the eloquent, award-winning Black, lesbian, poet, mother, teacher and activist, Audre Lorde, whose writings -- spanning five decades -- articulated some of the most important social and political visions of the century.

WEB DuBois: A Biography in Four Voices Screening

The long and remarkable life of Dr. William Edward Burghardt (W.E.B) Du Bois (1868-1963) offers unique insights into an eventful century in African American history.