Poetry Guild Celebrates Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, the Key West Poetry Guild will host an open reading of the work of famous Black American Poets on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the African cemetery at Higgs Beach.

“I feel very passionate about this particular type of celebration of poetry and was encouraged to share that passion this year,” said Guild Corresponding Secretary Vicky Boguszewski.

As at monthly Guild meetings, participants are invited to participate in “lightening rounds,” reading in turn one poem, at this event by “such wonderful poets as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Ishamael Reed, Rita Dove, Imamu Amiri Baraka, Alice Walker, or whoever inspires you,” said Nance Boylan, event coordinator. The reading will continue until readers have presented all their poems – or until dark. “Community members are welcome and encouraged to join the reading,” she said, and a limited number of chairs will be available for those who need them, adding. “We are looking forward to a good time!”

The Guild has met on the first Sunday of each month for over 40 years. Every meeting includes lightening rounds, and a new tradition of featured poets was introduced several years ago. The next meeting is March 2, but a special reading by Justin Ahern of Martha’s Vineyard and Rome, Italy is scheduled for the evening of Feb. 28 at Blue Heaven.