Bad Poems: Poetry of Resistance, Defiance & Dissent
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Poetry and local history intersect at this National Poetry Month gathering on Miami Beach, where participants reflect on themes of resistance, defiance and civic courage. The event takes place Thursday, April 9 at The Betsy – South Beach on Miami Beach, marking the third edition of an annual program inspired by a pivotal moment in Miami’s past.
The program draws from Langston Hughes’ poem The Ballad of Sam Solomon, written in response to Black voter activism in Overtown during the Jim Crow era. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear the poem, learn about the historical context behind it and engage with the legacy of those who organized in the face of intimidation to assert their voting rights.
Presented by Black Miami-Dade in collaboration with Maven Leadership Collective, the evening also invites participants to write and share original poetry, creating a space for personal expression rooted in historical awareness and contemporary dialogue.