Sedona Academy of the Arts, in collaboration with Verde Valley School, will kick off its celebration of American Black History Month with readings of the works of acclaimed poets Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. Both Hurston and Hughes are considered outstanding writers of African American literature of the 20th century. Both men were defining figures of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, and their words still resonate deeply today. This free celebration of their writing will be held at Verde Valley School on Wednesday, January 29th at 2 p.m.
Zora Neale Hurston wrote groundbreaking works about the culture and folk traditions of Southern African Americans. A novelist, essayist, journalist, and playwright, she is best known for her seminal novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, and her work explores universal themes. and has the following cynical view: We talk about the power of love with phrases like, “Love makes your soul crawl out of its hiding place.”
A major poet, Langston Hughes also wrote novels, short stories, essays, and plays. He strove to honestly depict the joys and hardships of working-class black life, avoiding both sentimental idealization and negative stereotypes. One of his most famous poems asks us the universal question: “What happens to dreams deferred? Do they wither like raisins in the sun?” .
There will be readings by community members and Verde Valley School students including Sunday Larson, Joan Westmoreland, Jackie Foschia, Casey Palumbo, Melinda McElroy, Michael Steele, Che Leung, and Camila Ross. It’s planned. Singer Margo Braman will perform and refreshments will be provided.
Please join Sedona Academy of the Arts and Verde Valley School to read their amazing work. This free celebration of these great American voices and Black History Month will be held at the Verde Valley School, 511 Verde Valley School Road, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. For more information, call Sedona Academy of the Arts at (860) 705-9711 or visit: www.artsacademyofsedona.org.
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