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Celebrating Black Voices

Back-to-back Poetry Gatherings are part of the Village Connections series held at Washington Park Community House. Pasadena Village will host a special program every Thursday from 2:00pm-4:00pm on a wide variety of topics of interest to seniors. 

A Poetry Gathering on February 20 at Washington Park Community Center was a truly special afternoon, bringing together poetry lovers to honor Black History Month and its 2025 theme: African Americans and Labor. This year’s theme recognizes the vast and essential contributions of African Americans in the workforce. It’s a reminder that labor isn’t just about jobs; it’s about survival, identity, and the power of perseverance. And what better way to explore these ideas than through poetry?

The event was curated by Pasadena Villagers Toby Lopresti, Beverly Lafontaine, and Lora Harrington-Pride, along with Nikki High, owner of Octavia’s Bookshelf. Their carefully selected poems highlighted voices from the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary times, each poet offering a unique perspective on labor, struggle, and resilience.

Nathan Wolford, our Volunteer Coordinator who is always the behind-the-scenes magician, made sure everything ran smoothly. With quiet efficiency, he prepared coffee and tea, arranged a spread of snacks, and made everyone feel welcome. The event was generously sponsored by Clifford Swan Investment Counselors, whose support helped make the gathering possible.

Dick Myers, President of the Pasadena Village Board of Directors, and others were greeted by the sound of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell playing in the background. Music, like poetry, has a way of bringing people together, and it definitely set the perfect tone for the afternoon.

The gathering started with a reading by Barbara Hunt, a community member who dropped by to find out what Pasadena Village was all about. She read I Look at the World by Langston Hughes. Hughes, a defining voice of the Harlem Renaissance, captured the realities of race, labor, and hope in America. His poem set the tone for the day—a reflection on struggle and vision for a better future.

Lora Harrington-Pride read Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise, a poem that never fails to inspire. As the words “You may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise.” rang out, heads nodded in agreement. Angelou’s powerful declaration of resilience resonated deeply with the group.

From there, a diverse range of poets and styles were explored:

• Nikki Giovanni – BLK History Month, a celebration of Black identity and culture. 

• Jericho Brown – Duplex, a rhythmic meditation on race and existence. 

• Natasha Trethewey – Duty, a poignant look at family and legacy. 

• Lucille Clifton – blessing the boats, an uplifting message of courage. 

• Claude McKay – If We Must Die, a call to resistance and dignity. 

• Rita Dove – Dawn Revisited, a reflection on history and hope. 

Each poem sparked discussion, drawing out connections between history, personal experience, and the present day. 

Reflections

After each reading, the group shared their thoughts. It wasn’t just about the words on the page, it was about how those words connected to our own lives. Community member Henrietta Hendrix, reflected on Duty by Natasha Trethewey, noting, “The bonds between father and daughter are strong, and Trethewey captures that beautifully. Labor isn’t just about physical work... it’s about emotional labor too.”

Villager Sally Asmundson provided historical context, saying, “In his time, Claude McKay was one of the most celebrated Harlem Renaissance writers. If We Must Die is such a powerful rallying cry for justice.” Lora Harrington-Pride, an English Literature teacher and Village advocate, spoke passionately about the importance of honoring Black poets. “These writers shaped American literature in ways that aren’t always recognized. Their words still speak to us today.”

Villager Karen Whitmore, a poet herself, was especially drawn to Rita Dove’s work. “I love how Dove creates a sense of place in her poetry. It’s like stepping into a moment and feeling it completely.”

This gathering was more than just a literary event... it was a space for connection, reflection, and celebration. The words of Hughes, Angelou, Giovanni, and others reminded us of the power of poetry to capture history, emotion, and the strength of a people.

As we continue these gatherings, we invite you to be part of them. Whether you’re drawn to the bold defiance of Maya Angelou, the lyrical beauty of Rita Dove, or the unapologetic power of Nikki Giovanni, there’s a place for you at A Poetry Gathering. 

Let’s keep reading, sharing, and celebrating—one poem at a time.

Looking Ahead

With the success of our Black History Month Poetry Gathering, Pasadena Village is already looking forward to its next Poetry Gathering on March 20 at 2:00 PM, in honor of Women’s History Month.

The reading list will feature women poets who have left a lasting mark on American poetry, from pioneers to contemporary voices.

A Poetry Gathering is always a relaxed, welcoming space for anyone who wants to engage with words. Whether you want to share a poem, listen to others, or just enjoy good company, you’re invited. Poetry takes many forms, so feel free to bring song lyrics, spoken words, or anything that moves you.