“Lines Verses Lyrics: Where River and Sky Meet” – Man Men in the Arts Celebrate Black Poetry Day

On Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm at ARC A. Philip Randolph OAC located at 108 West 146^th Street New York, New York 10039, Black Male Writers, Artists, Actors, Journalists, and Performers, will commemorate Black Poetry Day with Poetry Readings and Performances that pay tribute to the poetry and prose of prolific Poet, Writer, Playwright, Author and Lyricist, Mr. Langston Hughes, and the Musical Genius of Musician, Song Writer and Activist, Mr. Stevie Wonder.  Joining the programs are the Members of ARC A. Philip Randolph AOC, who took part in a Creative Writing program at the Center.  Black Poetry Day is the culminating program of the workshop series.  Also taking part in the event and serving as Guest Speakers are Representative of New York State’s 71^st Assembly District, Assembly Member Al Taylor, Author, Historian, and Journalist, Mr. Herb Boyd, and Mr. Andrew P. Jackson, also known as Molefi Sekou Baako, retired Director Emeritus of the Langston Hughes Library and Cultural Center.  Mr. Jackson-Baako, is also the Adjunct Professor of Black Studies and Cultural Diversity at York College.  Part of the program also includes brilliant performances by several accomplished Black Male Writers and Performers.  Special Remarks and Welcome will be presented by ARC A. Philip Randolph AOC Center Director, Mr. Jarell Peaker.  Those presenting during the evening are African American Men working in Artistic Disciplines such as Visual Art, Photography, Theater, Journalism, Photography, Performing Arts,and Literature.

Included in the lineup are King Melvin Brown, Mr. Michael Ealy, Mr. Hosea Johnson, Mr. Mark McPhee, Mr. Bert Pinnock, Mr. Rick Reid, Mr. Roy Rodriquez, and Mr. Kevin Sylvan.  Other invited guests are State Senator Cordell Cleare and Council Member Yusef Salaam. The event is Free and Open to the public. For more information please contact Spirit in Sunset Productions by telephone (917) 675-7255 and via email at nikkiwilliams711@yahoo.com or spiritalkin@gmail.com. Additional information can be found on the following websites: www.byojbringyourownjoy.com, www.nikkiwilliamspreadinjamjoy.com.  You can also contact ARC A. Philip Randolph OAC at (212) 281-1349.  ARC A. Phillip Randolph Senior Center is accessible by public transportation by taking the #3 train to 148^th Street, the A, B, C, or D, trains to 145^th Street transferring to the BX 19 bus across to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.  You can also take the M2 and M7 buses.  MTA Info: (718) 330-1234