Humanities scholar Salaam Green, Birmingham's first poet laureate, will present a scholarly literature/history lecture and discussion: Poetry to the People: Historical Narratives of Poetry's Powerful Influence on Justice and the Legacy of Civil Rights in Birmingham. As part of this scholarly lecture, Salaam will read from recent works on the lecture theme. This open-to-the-public, free event will be presented in the first-floor space at the Birmingham Public Library located at 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, Alabama. Guests will receive eco-friendly pencils and thought journals to take notes and write questions—encouraging participation in the Question/Answer portion of the program.

Each year, MCPF brings poetry alive in unlikely places like public parks, national monuments, and this year, we will reprise our popular Poetry at the Monument event. Poetry at the Monument, sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and hosted at the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, will feature three local poets who will share work related to civil rights and social justice.

America’s Next Great Author winner, poet and novelist Joi Miner will revive her production of Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking choreopoem, for colored girls who considered suicide when the rainbow was enuf. This is MCPF’s first theatrical event, and we’re excited to share it with our community!

Return to Wonderment, is a performance collage of live jazz and poetry that honors humanity's connection to Earth and highlights ways to deepen our rapport with nature and our commitment to ecological renewal. It features Daniel's original compositions and new arrangements of jazz standards tailored to Thandiwe's rhythmic recitations of poems and popular song lyrics. In a varied mix of solos and duets -- interwoven with illuminating video images -- this evening's length performance creates an inspiring space for refreshing the mind, listening to the heart, and celebrating the beauty and wonder of our shared home.

This salon, hosted at the home of Charlotte Donlon, will provide space and time for poets, musicians, all artists to share work in an open-mic style.

Beverages and snacks will be provided by Church Street Coffee & Books.

Registration is required, as space is limited. Location and parking instructions will be sent directly to registrants 24 hours before the event. Please contact Charlotte at charlotte@charlottedonlon.com if you have any questions.

In structural conditions that narrow what gets published, whether by political systems that legislate repressive ideologies against free speech or by economic structures that prevent critical and system-challenging work from being published, the zine works from a tradition of grassroots publishing. The zine isn't working to get into the elite circles (though sometimes it does): the zine is working to speak, to say, to share, and to imagine power differently.

In this zine-making workshop, join MCPF board member, celebrated writer and poet Alina Stefanescu as you endeavor to make your very own zine. Supplies needed: white paper (printer or otherwise), a writing utensil, glue, and optional collage materials (magazines, etc).

Each year, MCPF brings poetry alive in unlikely places like public parks, national monuments, and this year, for the first time, at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Poetry at the Museum, sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Yelp, will feature four local poets who will share work related to visual art. There are two attendance options this year: the Yelp Community Experience and Free General Admission.

The Yelp Community Experience begins at 1pm and features a reading by Yelp's sponsored poet, Birmingham Poet Laureate Salaam Green and local poets Kanou Julien, Miriam Calleja, and Lauren Slaughter. Yelpers, meaning anyone with a Yelp account, will receive a special gift after checking in on the event page. If you do not have a free Yelp account, quickly create one here.

For regular admission to our 2pm or 3pm tour, please register at the regular admission link and arrive at 2pm or 3pm to attend one of the two other tours.

Thoughtful Readers Gatherings™,  a new series of author conversations to connect writer and spiritual director Charlotte Donlon’s growing audience of thoughtful readers and writers with good books and nourishing conversations.

 The event layout is as follows:

--15 minute conversation to focus on the guest author's reading and writing life.

--30 minute conversation about the book with an 8-minute reading, a 10-minute conversation with me (questions provided ahead of time), and 5-10 minutes of Q&A

Here’s What’s Included in Each Paid Registration
—One Book by the Featured Author. Cost is retail book price plus sales tax.
—Access to a Writing and Reading Life Conversation with Featured Author
—Access to a Reading and Book Conversation with Featured Author
—Access to the Zoom Recording for Two Weeks
—Follow-up Email with Additional Resources for Exploration and Nourishment

All Free Options Include Everything but the Book
—Access to a Writing and Reading Life Conversation with Featured Author
—Access to a Reading and Book Conversation with Featured Author
—Access to the Zoom Recording for Two Weeks
—Follow-up Email with Additional Resources for Exploration and Nourishment

Registration is required for all online Thoughtful Readers Gatherings. All online Thoughtful Readers Gatherings take place on Zoom.

Read original poetry, recite beloved verse and honor the importance of poetry in our lives. Performer registration required.

In coordination with the Magic City Poetry Festival, poetry takes the main stage at the library. Join and share or just come to observe.