“Lift Every Voice” is a nationwide celebration of 250 years of African American poetry. As part of the celebration, you can download a free Lift Every Voice project reader that compiles poems and suggestions for further reading that highlight the freedom struggle, Black identities, the Black experience in history and memory, Black language and music, and family and community.

This sampling of African American poems, ranging from the colonial period to the present, reveals poetry to be a powerful means of self-assertion, of preserving and challenging history, and of giving voice to creative genius.

During this event, join Monet Lewis-Timmons, a doctoral student in UD’s Department of English, and Aimee Gee, English and American literature librarian, for readings of and conversations about the poems and themes included in the project reader.

This virtual event is free and open to the public.

‍