Poets Claudia Rankine, E. Ethelbert Miller, and Paul Lisicky lead a list of 25 main stage authors and more than 30 concurrent programs at the 13th annual CityLit Festival. This year’s edition–positioned as a celebration of National Poetry Month and in reflection upon the anniversary of last April’s demonstrations focus the literary community on matters of race and social justice.

For the first time in its history, the festival takes place away from Pratt Library’s central library, but enlists both the library and UB’s MFA in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts program as partners.

“Last year, the festival was one of few cultural events not to cancel the weekend after the riots,” said CityLit Project executive director Gregg Wilhelm. “USA Today quoted me as saying that CityLit believed poets would lead long-overdue conversations about race and justice in Baltimore. By presenting poets the caliber of Rankine and Miller this year, we feel like we’re demonstrating directly the role culture and creativity can play in a community.”

Claudia Rankine Appearances:

April 15  7:00 PM
Maryland Institute College of Art
(1300 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217)

 April 16 10:30 AM
Pennsylvania Avenue branch of Pratt Library
(1531 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217)

Main Events and Activities:

University of Baltimore

• Learning Commons (1451 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore,  MD 21201)
• UB’s Student Center (12 W. Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201)

Visit CityLit’s website for the full schedule of events