Real Life Poets Remember Dr. King at Avondale Library January 20
What: Begin the Day: The 16th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Lecture – "Real Life Poets Remember Dr. King"
When: Sunday, January 20, 2019, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Details: Teen spoken word artists from Real Life Poets share original poems about Dr. King and discuss how his legacy continues to impact young people today.
The Birmingham Public Library Archives Department's 16th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Lecture is focusing on the next generation in 2019.
This year a group of talented young poets from metro Birmingham will lead the MLK presentation, "Real Life Poets Remember Dr. King," Sunday, January 20, 2019, 3:00 p.m., at the Avondale Regional Branch Library. In the past, most MLK Memorial Lecture events featured adult speakers sharing their thoughts on the life and legacy of King, best known for leading the 1960s civil rights movement in Birmingham. One exception was two years ago when young Muslim college students talked about being a Muslim in America.
The 2019 MLK memorial lecture, to be held a day before the MLK national holiday, will feature students from Real Life Poets, a Birmingham nonprofit spoken word organization founded by John Paul Taylor. Real Life Poets mentors young adults, teaching them how to express themselves through spoken word poetry and the arts.
The students will share original poetry inspired by the words of Dr. King. A panel comprised of young poets will also discuss the relevance of Dr. King's nonviolent protest teachings in their lives today.
"Real Life Poets is excited about the opportunity for youth in our program to express themselves through spoken word about the legacy of Dr. King," Taylor said. "We also look forward to discussing how Dr. King's message of non-violence is still relevant today."
The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact BPL Archives Department Head Jim Baggett at jbaggett@bham.lib.al.us or 205-226-3631.
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