by Sylvia Dianne Beverly "Ladi Di"
It's that time of year for excitement, reflection and
action, so "Collective Voices"
Poetry Ensemble is taking time out to
plan Poetry Extravaganza-2016.
"Collective Voices" consist of founding members
Sylvia Dianne Beverly, (Ladi Di), J. Joy Alford, (Sistah Joy) and more recently
Andre Taylor, (Brenardo). This will be
the 20th year celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. at the Martin Luther King Jr.
Memorial Library in downtown Washington, D.C., in partnership with CAAPA.
Date: Saturday,
January 16, 2016
Time: 12:30 pm - 4:30
pm
Place: Great Hall
SAVE THE DATE!!!
This year’s theme is "Bridging the Gap", and will
be the main focus throughout the celebration.
We celebrate with Music, Dance, Song Prayer and Poetry. The celebration will be hosted by WPFW's
Radio Personality Josephine Reed and will start with drumming and dancing by
The Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ian Sydney Match, James Curly Robinson and
Lorenzo Sands, along with others. Our
national anthem will be sung by soprano Pamela Simonson. We must recognize the importance of filling
the GAP between positive life sustaining entities such as our youth and elders,
our people and our nation and various medias of Art and our artist.
Reflecting on Dr. King and his dedication, especially during
times of challenge and controversy, we hope to attract the attention of our
audience in order to form a better nation/world in which to live. This is a family friendly event, free of
charge and open to all. We hope everyone
will bring another, especially our youth and elders.
Along with "Collective Voices", there will be
three featured adult poets, (CeLillianne Green, Charles Cary and Patrick
Washington) and three youth presenters, Nathaniel Matthews (soloist), Antonio
Hammett, (soloist) and Nehemiah Sellers, (orator). Another highlight will be a presentation from
Poet of Distinction Grace Caviler. In addition
there will be a special recitation of Dr King's speech by poet/orator Avery
Tynes.
Oh what a gloriously planned day of enlightenment,
encouragement and entertainment this will be, just the kick-start we need to
help fulfill our resolutions for the New Year.
It's a Family Affair so, we hope to see our youth and elders there. Plan to attend.
For all poets and writers, keep writing, keep sharing, keep
using your God-given talents. For all
who have thought about writing, go ahead, give it a try, you might like it. at
very least, you will always have something meaningful to do. Poetry is my Passion!
