Category Archives: Poetry in Benicia

Benicia Black Lives Matter, Poetry in Benicia

Benicia’s Black Poetry Celebration – Next week Wednesday!

BLACK POETRY CELEBRATION
WED. APRIL 29 2026, 6-8PM
In the Library’s Doña Benicia Room
Also on Zoom: bit.ly/blackpoetrycelebration
Click image for full size poster.

Benicia Black Lives Matter invites you to a dynamic Black poetry event celebrating the depth, resilience, and brilliance of Black voices across generations, highlighting powerful works from lesser-known poets spanning the Reconstruction era to today.

Blending history with living artistry, the evening also features original performances by a diverse lineup of presenters:

    • Myla J., a compelling youth artist and orator
    • Devin Tademy, a passionate student leader and poet
    • Valdez Hill, a multifaceted poet and musician and host of Voices at the Table
    • Simone Nia Rae, an evocative artist and musician
    • Jacalyn Eyvonne, Vallejo’s Poet Laureate for 2024–2025 and
    • Brandon Greene Esq., a civil rights attorney whose artistry bridges music, poetry, and justice.

Together, they create a rich intergenerational experience that honors legacy while amplifying fresh, contemporary voices.

BLACK POETRY CELEBRATION
WED. APRIL 29 2026, 6-8PM
In the Library’s Doña Benicia Room [Map] Also on Zoom: bit.ly/blackpoetrycelebration
Benicia Black Lives Matter, Benicia CA, Benicia Public Library, Mary Susan Gast, Poetry, Poetry in Benicia, Racism in America, Voter registration, Voting rights

CORRECTION: Benicia Freedom Summer event is this Saturday, not Sunday

Saturday at 2pm – Benicia Library presents “Freedom Summer from 1964-2024: 60 years of Voting Rights”

From the Benicia Public Library Website:

Freedom Summer 1964 was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, where hundreds of volunteers, primarily college students, traveled to Mississippi to register African American voters, establish Freedom Schools, and challenge the systemic racism that had long pervaded the region. This summer of activism played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and social justice in the United States.

The event will be emceed by Alice Fried of the Solano County League of Women Voters and will include two special presentations. First, former Poet Laureate Mary Susan Gast (2020-2023), who participated in Freedom Summer as a college student, will share “Gifts from Freedom Summer –1964,” followed by a unique portrayal of Fannie Lou Hamer.

Hamer, who rose from humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to become one of the most important, passionate, and powerful voices of the civil and voting rights movements and a leader in the efforts for greater economic opportunities for African Americans, will be brought to life by local artist and activist Linda Youngblood Wright.

The event will also include refreshments and an opportunity for Q&A about Freedom Summer 1964 and continued efforts to ensure voting rights across our country. Voter registration tables will also be set up, so that anyone who isn’t registered to vote can do so.

2– 4pm, in the Doña Benicia Room at the Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia. Registration is not required. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.

Disclaimers: Benicia Independent is not affiliated with either Benicia Public Library or the BUSD.  

Benicia Black Lives Matter, Benicia CA, Benicia Public Library, Mary Susan Gast, Poetry, Poetry in Benicia, Racism in America, Voter registration, Voting rights

Saturday at 2pm – Benicia Library presents “Freedom Summer from 1964-2024: 60 years of Voting Rights”

From the Benicia Public Library Website:

Freedom Summer 1964 was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, where hundreds of volunteers, primarily college students, traveled to Mississippi to register African American voters, establish Freedom Schools, and challenge the systemic racism that had long pervaded the region. This summer of activism played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and social justice in the United States.

The event will be emceed by Alice Fried of the Solano County League of Women Voters and will include two special presentations. First, former Poet Laureate Mary Susan Gast (2020-2023), who participated in Freedom Summer as a college student, will share “Gifts from Freedom Summer –1964,” followed by a unique portrayal of Fannie Lou Hamer.

Hamer, who rose from humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to become one of the most important, passionate, and powerful voices of the civil and voting rights movements and a leader in the efforts for greater economic opportunities for African Americans, will be brought to life by local artist and activist Linda Youngblood Wright.

The event will also include refreshments and an opportunity for Q&A about Freedom Summer 1964 and continued efforts to ensure voting rights across our country. Voter registration tables will also be set up, so that anyone who isn’t registered to vote can do so.

2– 4pm, in the Doña Benicia Room at the Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia. Registration is not required. This event is free and appropriate for all ages.

Disclaimers: Benicia Independent is not affiliated with either Benicia Public Library or the BUSD.