PITTSBORO, NC— On Saturday, October 3, 2020, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., the Chatham Community Library will host a virtual Community Read honoring the poems of James Mercer Langston Hughes (1901-1967), an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. Hughes, a central figure in the Harlem renaissance, filled his poetry with pride in his blackness and African heritage and his strong belief in democracy and patriotism.

Hughes stressed a racial consciousness and cultural nationalism devoid of self-hate. His thought united people of African descent and Africa across the globe to encourage pride in their diverse black folk culture and black aesthetic. Hughes was one of the few prominent black writers to champion racial consciousness as a source of inspiration for black artists.

Mitch Capel, an award-winning author, actor, poet, recording artist and Master Storyteller, will be the narrator and facilitator for this event. Capel, who has been called a national treasure, a word magician, and a transformer of lives, is also acknowledged as the “national interpreter” of the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar. He has been featured at countless prestigious events and venues, including the Kennedy Center, the United Nations, the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama, the International Folklife Festival, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the National Storytelling Festival.

WHAT:                 Virtual Community Read honoring the poems of Langston Hughes, narrated by Mitch Capel 

WHEN:                Saturday, October 3, 2020
                            3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:             GoTo Meeting (Details will be provided for those who register; registration details provided below)

WHO:                 Chatham Community Library       

Attendance is limited to 50 individuals and registration is required. Registration for this event is available here: https://tinyurl.com/CCL-Hughes. Once registered, participants will receive login credentials to the online meeting space. Registration is limited to one household per participant.

Each registrant will receive a complimentary copy of Selected Poems of Langston Hughes and a packet containing a list of selected readings and discussion questions. Participants are encouraged to read in advance of the October 3^rd event and to familiarize themselves with the themes throughout Hughes’ works and related discussion questions. Participants should call the Chatham Community Library at 919-545-8084 to arrange picking up their materials, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of Chatham Community Library. For more information, contact the library at 919-545-8084 or visit chathamlibraries.org.