Poetry for the People

About me:

Poetry for the People (P4P) at UC Berkeley is an arts activism program, founded by the late June Jordan in 1991. P4P continues to pursue Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a beloved community for all. P4P has an academic focus on the reading, writing and teaching of poetry. The program also bridges the gap between the university and the larger community, working with teens and young adults, schools, community organizations, and activist projects in the greater Bay Area.

This Spring, join us at La Pena every Third Thursday!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

**Chosen as San Francisco Bay Guardian's Pick of the Week!**

Black History Month showcase: a multi-generational poetry conversation featuring:

National Poetry Series prizewinner Tyehimba Jess
Chinaka Hodge, 2001 Teen Slam Champ, featured on Def Poetry
Nico Cary of Ill-Literacy
Vocals by Sparlha Swa from NYC
Hosted by P4P Director Aya de Leon

7:30pm
La Pena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Women's History Month showcase: a multi-generational poetry conversation ***

Plugged on KQED's The Do List & featured on KRON 4 Weekend News featuring:

Four-time National Poetry Slam Champion, Pushcart Prize Winner, 2008 National Book Award Finalist Patricia Smith
Emcee Jen Ro, featured on VHI and MTV
Palestinian-American poet and editor Deema Shehabi
Hosted by P4P Director Aya de Leon

7:30pm
La Pena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA

This event is sponsored by the Chancellors Community Partnership Fund at UC Berkeley and is presented in collaboration with Third Root Productions: A Multidisciplinary Theater Collective.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

National Poetry Month showcase: a multi-generational poetry conversation featuring:

American Book Award winner, Coptic poet Matthew Shenoda & John Carlos Perea on bass
former P4P Director, poet Maiana Minahal
Hip hop artist and activist Ras K'Dee & dj offering (teao-audiopharmacy)
DJ Munkee Pants
Plus local artists, Poetry for the People poets, and special guests!

Hosted by P4P Director Aya de Leon

7:30pm
La Pena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA

This event is sponsored by the Chancellors Community Partnership Fund at UC Berkeley and is presented in collaboration with Third Root Productions: A Multidisciplinary Theater Collective.