On Friday, November 3, 2023, the journalism students traveled to the 猛料原创 Convention Center for the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival. It was the 50th Anniversary of the festival first organized by Margaret Walker in 1973. The original festival included events, lectures, public readings, and receptions. The event was created for black women writers representing our culture. Their work was celebrated.
As we first walked into the convention center, the room was buzzing with excitement. I noticed nothing but black women with their natural hair and smiles on their faces. Everyone was dressed like they had a purpose, and that was to be there. High heels and blazers to show off their sense of style.
The atmosphere in the concurrent session (poetry reading) was welcoming. My arms were chilled by the stories being told in poetry form. Tears flowed from my classmates' eyes. Many women talked about the life of being a black woman or just being a woman in the South. I felt empowered, and my body was warm on the inside (because the room was freezing) by the poetry.
|
|
|
Students in concurrent session |
After the concurrent sessions, we waited in line for the doors to open for the ‘Our Mother’s Garden: A Womanist Legacy’ luncheon hosted by Alice Walker and Ebony Lumumba. Elegant food (salad, lime pie, and salmon and rice) was served.
The conversation between the two women flowed so naturally. As the luncheon continued my eyes roamed around the room and everyone had their undivided attention on both Walker and Lumumba.
Topics ranged from Walker’s book “In search of our mother’s garden” to making a playlist. One thing that stuck with me that Walker said was “the home you can be ran out of is your mind”. That will stick with me for a long time. I am thankful for the opportunity to have heard a bit of her wisdom and knowledge.
|
|
|
Ebony Lumumba and Alice Walker |
Author-