Piedmont Arts will host a talk by poet TJ Anderson III and an African American Read-in and Family Day in celebration of Black History Month in February.
Anderson, a poet and scholar from Roanoke, Va., will present Now You See Me, a talk about his journey as a writer, and share readings from his award-winning poetry, Thursday, Feb. 6 at Piedmont Arts. A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. The talk will begin at 7 p.m.
Anderson is a professor of English at Hollins University. His research focuses on jazz poetry, African American literature, and the work of Aimé Césare. He was a Fulbright Scholar at Cairo University where he conducted research on the influence of jazz on contemporary Egyptian music. He is the author of six books and the acclaimed spoken word album “Blood Octave.”
This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Please RSVP attendance at 276-632-3221 or PiedmontArts.org.
The African American Read-in and Family Day will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8 at Piedmont Arts. Lyrical artist Taye the Truth and storyteller Fred Motley will perform. Visitors can also view books on loan from the collection of Joyce and Kenneth Staples. A craft for kids and snacks will be available. This event is admission free. All ages are welcome.
This event is held in conjunction with the National African American Read-in, a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering on African American books and authors. The initiative was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. It has reached more than six million participants around the world.
The African American Read-in and Family Day is sponsored by Carter Bank, Kappa Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Martinsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
For more information on exhibits and events, visit PiedmontArts.org.
