Furious Flower Poetry Center at James Madison University is excited to announce its first event of the semester, Malika Booker: Open Mic & Poetry Reading on September 29, 2022 at The Golden Pony in Downtown Harrisonburg.
Malika Booker is a British-Caribbean writer whose work is steeped in anthropological research methodology and rooted in storytelling. Her writing spans poetry, theater, monologue, installation, and education. She has worked with many organizations including but not limited to Arts Council England, BBC, British Council, National Theatre, and Royal Shakespeare Company. She is the recipient of the 2019 Cholmondeley Award.
This event is made possible by a 2022 Poetry Fund Grant from the Academy of American Poets in cooperation with the Amazon Literary Partnership and furthers Executive Director, Lauren K. Alleyne’s goal of expanding the Center’s global reach.
“We are the nation’s first Academic center for Black poetry, and I’m invested in continuing to cultivate as inclusive and expansive an understanding of Blackness as possible. Booker’s roots in the Caribbean, upbringing in the UK, and cosmopolitan career means that she brings a global aesthetic and perspective that I’m delighted to showcase to our local and virtual communities,” said Alleyne.
In addition to the event at The Golden Pony, Booker will be visiting the two Harrisonburg middle schools and doing multiple workshops on JMU’s campus. You can find more details on these events on our website or by emailing furiousflower@jmu.edu.
The open mic starts at 6:30pm, followed by Malika Booker’s reading at 7:30. The event will also be livestreamed on Furious Flower’s Facebook page and later uploaded to YouTube. You can RSVP for the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/4957148127723076 and add it to your digital calendar. For more information on Furious Flower Poetry Center and a complete list of their events, visit jmu.edu/furiousflower.
About the Author
Megan N. Medeiros is the Communications & Marketing Specialist for Furious Flower Poetry Center in Harrisonburg, VA. She’s worked as a web designer, social media marketing expert, and freelance writer since 2016. You can find more information about Megan or reach out to her at medeiroswriting.com.