Sojourn With Words, the artistic brainstorm of renowned poet and author, J. Joy Matthews Alford (Sistah Joy) and co-produced by Prince George’s County public access channel CTV, Sojourn With Words, will debut on Wednesday, November 2, 2005, at the newly expanded Oxon Hill Branch of the Prince George’s County Public Library (Oxon Hill Library). Hailed as the newest and much anticipated collaborative literary arts project in Prince George’s County, Maryland will be presented in the Oxon Hill Library’s Sojourner Truth Lecture Hall from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland.

This inaugural evening of poetry and music is part of a full day of celebration officially marking the grand opening of the Oxon Hill Library, Prince George’s County Public Library’s most recently expanded facility.  Sojourn With Words will regularly feature poetry readings and performances, artist interviews, occasional musical performances, and debuts with feature poets Andre’ Taylor, (a.k.a. Brenardo) and Sistah Joy. Featured music includes The C. Anthony Bush Jazz Ensemble, vocalist Julian Hipkins, and Djembe drummer Doc Powell. 

Appropriately titled, Sojourn With Words, the free, open-to-the-public poetry event, will take the audience on a cultural journey.  The Library’s Sojourner Truth Room, houses over 7,000 catalogued items and is one of the region's foremost repositories of chronicled African-American history. 

The Sojourn With Words program will also be recorded for future airing as a cultural arts program by CTV, (Channel 76) in Prince George's County after which light refreshments and book signings will take place.

“The significance of this cultural and literary event is pivotal to the continued artistic and literary growth of Prince George’s County,” stated publisher and CAAPA co-founder (Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts) Terri Allen.  Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson will perform the ribbon cutting ceremonies earlier that morning.   

“This is sure to be an evening that will long be remembered,” added Alford. 

“We would love for all Prince George County residents to be in our "television" audience, and hope that everyone will share the "good news" with friends, especially our youth,” she stated.

A collaborative effort between the Oxon Hill Library and co-producers, CTV, and Sistah Joy, Sojourn With Words’ contributors strive to enrich the arts in Prince George's County in the most meaningful way that resources permit.  

To contribute and/or attend, contact the library at 301-839-2400 or contact Sistah Joy on-line at Poetsistahjoy.aol.com.