From Freedom Riders to Freedom Writers     Literary Series

Over the course of our nation's history, women have been a major force driving the need to protect human rights.  In honor of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary Series will celebrate women writers who have played major roles in shaping the movement throughout history and who continue to inspire action toward social change around the world today.

Join poet and distinguished author Ralph Cheo Thurmon as he hosts nationally- renowned artists Sonia Sanchez, Mari Evans, Tina McElroy Ansa and many others. The King Holiday Literary Series is presented in partnership with the Auburn Avenue Research Library.

Made Possible by the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History,
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

For an entire summit event listing by day, click here.

Please note:  Seats for all events are on a first come, first served basis.
It is suggested that guests arrive at least 15 minutes prior to event starting time.

These events are free and open to the public.
 

This program is hosted by the Auburn Avenue Research Library
on African American Culture and History of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.






Sonia Sanchez   Tina McElroy Ansa   Lynn Marshall-Linnemeier

The Politics Of Poetry - An interview with Sonia Sanchez
The Politics Of Poetry - An interview with Sonia Sanchez
Meet one of the nation's most celebrated poets, Sonia Sanchez, in an intimate conversation on politics and culture. Sanchez is the author of more than a dozen books of poetry, including Shake Loose My Skin: New and Selected Poems (Beacon Press, 1999); Does your house have lions? (1995), nominated for both the NAACP Image and the National Book Critics Circle Award; Home girls & Hand grenades (1984), winning her an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. Sanchez has lectured at more than five hundred universities and colleges in the United States and was the first Presidential Fellow at Temple University. As one of the pioneer voices of political poetry, Sanchez’s influence has reached activists around the world for generations.  Interview conducted by noted author and literary historian, Eugene B. Redmon 
Click here to sign up

Thursday, January 11, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
101 Auburn Avenue N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303

Poetry to the People – Open Mic and After Party
Use this creative forum to address contemporary social issues through poetry. You are invited to participate in this evening of words and rhythms and to even read your own work along side nationally-renowned poets in the King District’s coolest java joint.

Open Mic Night
Thursday, January 11, 2007, 9:00 p.m.
Java-ol’-o-gy
466 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303 Click here to sign up
 

Writing in the Circle Of Life – Writers Workshop
Join nationally renowned guest artist and poet Ralph Cheo Thurmon as he guides newly emerging writers in this workshop.  Read your poetry, create new work and discuss the creative process.

Saturday, January 13, 2007, 2:00 p.m.
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
101 Auburn Avenue N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303
Click here to sign up
 

The Politics Of Poetry - An interview with Mari Evans
Mari Evans believes her responsibility as a writer is to speak the truth to her people and urge social progress through activism. Her career has encompassed over 20 years with professorships at such institutions as Cornell University, Indiana University, and Spelman College. She is the author of numerous articles, four children's books, several performed theater pieces, two musicals and four volumes of poetry, including I Am A Black Woman, Nightstar, and A Dark and Splendid Mass, published in 1992. She also edited the highly acclaimed Black Women Writers (1950-1980): A Critical Evaluation. Join Ms. Mari Evans in a conversation on race, and politics and the ongoing struggle of justice. Interview conducted by Dr. Georgene Bess- Montgomery, professor of English at Clark Atlanta University and author of the Mari Evans biography. Click here to sign up

Saturday, January 13, 2007, 5:00 p.m.
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
101 Auburn Avenue N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303

Women In The Movement - Female Figures Of Freedom
A conversation with visual artist, Lynn Marshall-Linnemeier and author, Tina McElroy Ansa Join noted historian and educator, Gloria Wade-Gayles as she engages two of the nations most prolific artists in a conversation on female figures of freedom.  Starting from Mrs. King, ending at the strength in women past and present who have been the keepers of our dreams for freedom, audiences will be inspired by these women and their power. Conversation moderated by author and Spelman College Professor, Gloria Wade-Gayles. Click here to sign up

Sunday, January 14, 2007, 2:00 p.m.
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
101 Auburn Avenue N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303

Writers Reception
Open to the public. Audiences will be able to meet the 2007 King Service Summit literary artists in an intimate reception.  Click here to sign up

Sunday, January 14, 2007, 4:00 p.m.
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
101 Auburn Avenue N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303

Literary Town Hall - The Writer As The Catalyst For Change
Panelists will engage audiences in community conversation on the state of the nation.  Learn how guest activists and artists use their craft as a tool for change—inciting action in audiences around the world. Panelists include: Sonia Sanchez, Eugene B. Redmon, Mari Evans, Tina McElroy Ansa, Lynn Marshall-Linnemeier, Balogun Ogun Abegunde. Moderated by Ralph Cheo Thurmon
Click here to sign up

Sunday, January 14, 2007, 5:00 p.m.
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History.
101 Auburn Avenue N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303