Poetry Extravaganza 2008 was a wonderful success! Thank you to all who attended the tribute, either as a participant or a guest. Each of you helped to make the celebration the overwhelming success that it was.
Poetry Extravaganza 2008 marks the 12th annual tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Collective Voices was privileged to once again partner with C.A.A.P.A. (Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts, Inc.) in presenting this year's celebration. We are pleased to share our event photographs (below) and extend a heartfelt "Thank you" for the continuing support we received once again this year for the celebration.
Collective Voices' purpose in presenting Poetry Extravaganza is to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and promote the issues of equality and social justice for which Dr. King gave his life. We do so while presenting to the community some of the areas most significant "poets of conscience" who are, in turn, invited to share the stage with nationally and in some instances, internationally acclaimed poets at one of the city's premiere literary and cultural events. Poetry Extravaganza is presented as a free-to-the-community celebration each year at the MLK, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC.
Headlining this year's celebration as Poet of Distinction was the Washington, DC Poet Laureate, Dolores Kendrick. Guest Poets were "13 of Nazareth," Christopher L. Fields a.k.a. "The Poetry Man" and Andre Taylor a.k.a. "Brenardo." The members of Collective Voices, Ladi Di, Billye Okera and Sistah Joy also presented their original poetry.
We are also happy to share a copy of the "letter of greeting" from Washington, DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty who sent his "best wishes for a successful event" and whose office supported our efforts. Additionally, an article providing a "10th-year anniversary" historical overview about Poetry Extravaganza is also attached.
We hope you enjoy the photographs (
there are many!) and make a "mental note" even now to
join us next January for this annual cultural celebration honoring the life and legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All photographs were taken by Collective Voices' official photographer
Gerald Barnes of G.Barnes/BnP cubed (gbarnes400.comcast.net).
Blessings,
Collective Voices
(Sistah Joy, Billye and Ladi Di)
Many Blessing! Success Always!
John Michael Domino