The Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading is returning for its 31st consecutive year, to begin black history month. The annual free event will celebrate the powerful work of poet Langston Hughes with community poetry readings as well as live jazz music by Emmanuel Escobar and Avi David, as well as a presentation by guest speaker Dr Ikea Jackson. All presenters and readings will be done in line with this year’s theme of “The Poet of Our Times: With Joy, Faith, and Resilience – The Future Belongs to Us,” The event is open to the public and will be hosted at the RISD Auditorium Center for Community Partnerships, in Providence, on Sunday, February 1 2026 from 1 – 3pm.
“We’re especially excited because this year the reading falls on Langston’s actual Birthday 125 years ago, February 1!” explains April Brown, co-director of the LHCPR Committee. Brown points out that despite its longevity, the reading almost didn’t happen this year – and may not be possible next year – because of dramatic reductions in funding for the arts at the national, state, and city levels over the last year. It’s a pain almost every arts organization is feeling currently. The project, a well-loved local staple, has released a fundraising video for fans. “It’s always been free, and it still will be, but this year we’re asking the public for support to keep the organization going,” says Brown.
Catch the video and contribute here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-MVQ3x0_qOtyYAvMsHuOxrAlnmkfOB9_/view?usp=drivesdk