Black Poetry Day Readings & Reflections October 17, 2026

In celebration of Black Poetry Day, local Chicago poets from the Guild Literary Complex present readings from their favorite Black poets.

Join us for a free poetry reading featuring Chicago poets in honor of National Black Poetry Day! Admission is free for this program, which includes access to all of our exhibits at no additional cost. Please register in advance.

October 17 is annually recognized as National Black Poetry Day to celebrate the contributions of Black poets and writers throughout this country’s history. It is celebrated on this day to honor the birth date of Jupiter Hammon, the first Black poet to be published in the United States in 1760. Learn more here.

Presented in partnership with the Guild Literary Complex, local Chicago poets will present readings from their favorite Black poets, emceed by Faylita Hicks. Additional readers include:

• Wesley Frazier Keys
• Kenyatta Rogers
• Kira Tucker
• Lotus Fulton

This program is offered to coincide with the Loop Arts District Festival. The AWM will be present during the festival, where we will explore the legacy of Black poets and engage with their work through interactive activations based on current and past exhibits, most notably Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice.

RSVP today to reserve your spot!