In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Poetry Center, this event features a film screening, live performances, and an exhibition of historic broadsides, event posters, and treasures from the archive. After a reception in the courtyard, watch the premiere of a new documentary, A Bigger Table, which follows the Chicago Poetry Center from its roots as a platform for censored writers to its present day mission as the organization continues to build a bigger table for poets in the city and beyond. Following the film, enjoy readings and performances by Marvin Tate, Helene Achanzar, former CPC student Layla Abdullah, and remarks by CPC Executive Director B. Sampson. The reception will begin at 2 pm, and the screening and performances will follow at 3 pm.

Helene Achanzar is a poet and editor whose writing has appeared in Best New Poets 2023, Oxford American, Georgia Review, and elsewhere. Winner of the 2022 New England Review Award for Emerging Writers, her work has been supported by the T.S. Eliot Foundation, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and the Mastheads. She is a senior editor for Poetry Northwest, Midwest regional chair for Kundiman, and director of programs at the Chicago Poetry Center.

B. Metzger Sampson is the Executive Director of the Chicago Poetry Center and has led the organization through is revitalization over the past decade, including its development of robust equity and transparency practices, innovations in board structure, and the addition of new programs online and in-person for children, adults, and working poets of every age. B. writes, lectures, and speaks on innovative education and nonprofit practices including poetry as a liberatory practice. B. is also a writer of essays, poetry, and interviews, and frequently collaborates and shows with visual artists.

Marvin Tate is a multidisciplinary Artist, performer and community educator. He has been active in the Chicago music scene since 1993. He has collaborated with Visual Artist, Theaster Gates Jr. and the Black Monks of Mississippi, Video Artist, Jefferson Pinder, and a motley crew of musical talents that include: Leroy Bach, Angel Olsen, Bill MacKay, Tim Kinsella, and Jazz Artists: Ben LaMar Gay, Angel Bat Dawid, Mike Reed, French experimentalist, The Bridge, Composer, Ernest Dawkins, and Soundscape Artist Joseph C.Mills.

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In-Person Attendance:
Masks are strongly encouraged and available at check-in for those who would like to wear one. The Foundation reserves the right to update this policy if community levels of COVID-19 increase significantly. Read our full COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines. Guests are encouraged to register in advance.

Livestream Attendance:
The livestream link will be shared with registered guests on the day of the event. In order to receive the livestream details, please register in advance.

The Poetry Foundation’s events are completely free of charge and open to the public. This event will include CART captioning and ASL interpretation. For more information about accessibility at the Poetry Foundation, please visit our Accessibility Guide.

Afterparty to follow off-site 4:30-6:30.

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Tags: A Bigger Table: 50 Years of the Chicago Poetry Center, B. Metzger Sampson, Chicago, Chicago Poetry Center, Helene Achanzar, Layla Abdullah, Loop, Marvin Tate, Poetry Foundation