Fort Greene Park Conservancy plans to honor National Poetry Month with Poetry in the Park, a day of writing workshops, open mics and performances by local writers.
Hosts consider the event — happening Saturday, April 13 — both a celebration of the art form and an invitation for inspiring writers to explore poetry in one of Brooklyn’s vibrant green spaces.
Najee Omar, a local rhymist, will kick off the day with a 90-minute workshop. According to event organizers, Omar will encourage attendees to connect with nature and the culture of Brooklyn while helping them find their writing voice.
During the open mic portion, poets can share what they created during the workshop or any recent works. To wrap up the day, three performers — Jennifer Falú, Joselia Rebekah Hughes and Liz Chestang — will take the mic.
This is the second annual Poetry in the Park at Fort Greene Park, the 30-acre green space is home to plenty of free events throughout the year. According to Mia Rubin, senior public programs and engagement manager, all of their events are free which is what makes the space so welcoming.
“It’s a really free-flowing day,” Rubin told Brooklyn Paper. “It’s just a place where everyone can feel welcome. There are no access barriers. We just want people to come enjoy the park as a resource for community and collective enjoyment.”
Poetry in the Park is hosted in collaboration with Poets and Writers, a non-profit supporting local poets, Brooklyn Public Library and Brooklyn Book Bodega. BPL will be on scene to help people sign up for library cards while reps with the Brooklyn Book Bodega will be there giving away free books.
Hosts are now accepting RSVPs to the event online.
(Update 3/29/ 2024 at 1:33 p.m.): This story has been updated to provide more accurate details on Fort Greene Park Conservancy.
