Washington, D.C., has long been home to a dynamic and vibrant African American literary community, despite often being overshadowed by the literary worlds of New York and Chicago.
The Foggy Bottom Book Crawl will feature author Brian Gilmore, whose work connects generations of writers and documents a poetic community that transcends Washington. He reveals the intricate intersections, networks, and influences that have shaped the city’s poets and how they have influenced American poetry for a century. The Washington Informer talked to him about the event and his work.
WI: What is the Foggy Bottom Book Crawl?
Brian: The Foggy Bottom Book Crawl is taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the District.
This is a great way to spend a summer afternoon connecting with acclaimed authors across a variety of genres in vibrant spaces with the Foggy Bottom West End Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the neighborhood thrive. Stroll from venue to venue, discovering unique voices and engaging stories at every stop.
This free event ($10 donation suggested) includes access to multiple author readings across curated venues, opportunities to meet writers, and special giveaways. More details are at www.eventbrite.com/e/foggy-bottom-book-crawl-tickets-1989040440501.
Attendees will hear from three writers at each location and then walk to a new location for another reading during the three-hour event.
WI: Why is it important to you?
Brian: I am a local poet/writer, and a native of Washington, D.C. — born and raised — so this event just shows me again how vibrant the D.C. literary scene really is at all times. Foggy Bottom also is historically relevant to me because it is where the Black community used to reside at the turn of the 20th century. For example, Duke Ellington was born there and his grandparents lived in Foggy Bottom. There used to be a Duke Ellington Building in Foggy Bottom.
WI: What will you be reading at the Book Crawl?
Brian: I will read from both of my latest books about the cultural history of Black poetry in the city, titled “No More Worlds To Conquer: The Black Poet in Washington, D.C.,” and then my last poetry book, “Come See About Me, Marvin.” I also hope to read a poem about the city, too, depending on time.
WI: What’s the most surprising thing you learned while working on your book about the cultural history of D.C.’s Black poetry and poets?
Brian: The most surprising thing is the connections made by the Black poets, and, because D.C. was a Jim Crow city, they had to create their own community. Yet, as Sterling A. Brown noted, there were always allies from the white community who did not give in to the easy hate that was going on. Brown’s role in the Federal Writers Project as editor is evidence of that.
WI: What other authors are you looking forward to listening to and meeting?
Brian: The poets, of course, some of whom I have heard of already, but I am a literary person, so I want to hear any of the writers I can, as much as possible. Drown me with words. Let’s lean into art.
