Poets Diane Wilbon Parks, Patrick Washington, Sylvia Dianne “Ladi Di” Beverly and Hiram Larew with Cliff Bernier on harmonica will present and discuss poems, music and artwork about America’s history of slavery.   This particular program is offered in tribute to the amazing heroism of Harriet Tubman.  Join us as we try to imagine the voices of those who were enslaved at Historic Woodlawn Plantation Estate in Fairfax, VA – and what their enslavement means to us today. 

MEET THE ARTISTS

 SYLVIA DIANNE BEVERLY (LADY DI)

Sylvia Dianne Beverly (Lady Di) is an Internationally acclaimed poet, presenting poetry In London, England, at the Lewisham Theater.  A collection of her work is housed at George Washington University's Gelman Library.  She is a member of A Splendid Wake, Gelman Library, George Washington University.  She has also been featured at Smithsonian's Museum of History, The African Arts Museum, The Hirshhorn Museum, and elsewhere.  A founding member of the poetry ensemble "Collective Voices, " she is a proud member of Writers on the Green Line, Poetry X Hunger, Poetry Poster Project and Voices of Woodlawn. She recently read her work at the 40th Anniversary of Host Grace Cavalieri's The Poet and the Poem, the Library of Congress Experience.  A founding member of the Anointed PENS (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls) Poetry Ministry, out of Ebenezer AME Church, she is also an alum of Poets in Progress with Poet Laureate of District of Columbia, the late Dolores Kendrick.  She has authored two books, Forever In Your Eyes and Cooking Up South, both available on Amazon.  Recently her poetry appears in several international anthologies, the Moonstone Press Anthology and as part of Mike Maggio’s 30/30 Series for National Poetry month 2021.  Also known as the "Love Poet", she counts the late Dr. Maya Angelou her hero.  She is the proud Matriarch of her family, who in 2018 received posthumously for her father, a “Congressional Gold Medal” from the United States Marines.  She is a Poet of Excellence in Prince Georges County 2020.  Find out more by visiting Sylvia Beverly on Facebook.

HIRAM LAREW

Hiram Larew’s newest collection of poems, Mud Ajar, was published recently by Atmosphere Press.  He has organized the Poetry Poster Project, Poetry X Hunger, and Voices of Woodlawn.  He lives in Churchton, MD.  For more information, visit:  www.HiramLarewPoetry.com

 DIANE WILBON PARKS

Diane Wilbon Parks is a visual poet and artist. She has written two poetry collections, The Wisdom of Blue Apples, and a children’s book, Grandma Doddley Dances with Reindeer. She is the founder of The Write Blend, a culturally diverse poetry circle, and has been recognized as a 2020 Prince George’s County Poet of Excellence. Diane celebrates the permanent installation of one of her poems and artwork at the Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract.  Diane’s poetry has been widely featured and highlighted nationally, and internationally. Diane has been a longstanding literary advocate and leader in the poetry community. Her poetry is included in the International Anthology, Singing in the Dark.  She is also included in the 43rd and 44th Anniversary of Grace Cavalieri’s, The Poet and The Poem at the Library of Congress.  Diane is a USAF Veteran and a Senior IT Program Manager.

PATRICK WASHINGTON

Patrick Washington has spent over two decades performing, conducting interactive workshops & spreading love for the spoken, the written & the rhythmic word across this country. His engaging styles have taken him across the country and back, from Washington's storied U Street circuit, to television & off-broadway theater performances. Patrick was commissioned to create a poem dedicating the monument to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King which he performed at the unveiling on the national mall on October 16th 2011.  A teaching artist at heart, he has launched his own arts education company, Dialect of Prince George's and with it, created the Youth Poet Laureate program, giving young people the opportunity to collaborate with city officials & serve as poetic ambassadors for their community.

CLIFFORD BERNIER

Clifford Bernier is the author of three poetry collections; he has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes and his The Silent Art won the 2010 Gival Press Poetry Award. He appears on harmonica in the Accumulated Dust world music series and is featured on the EP Post-Columbian America. A member of the Washington Writers Collection, he has featured on NPR’s The Poet and the Poem from the Library of Congress and lives in Northern Virginia.

Please note: A Zoom link will be automatically emailed to registrants 24 hours prior to the event.