Reel Sisters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing art, literature, and films by artists of color, is hosting a two-day celebration of African Voices magazine's Hip Hop issue guest edited by Kevin Powell. The events coincide with National Poetry Month and commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop. On April 12th, the Riverside Theatre will host an evening of poetry readings and a screening of the Netflix docuseries episode 'Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip Hop.' CR Capers, founder of the Hip Hop Film Festival, will lead a panel discussion featuring Crystal Whaley, co-executive producer of 'Ladies First'; DJ Franchella; Liza Jessie Peterson, director of 'Black Love Manifesto'; and Evangeline Lawson, photographer and cover artist for African Voices' Hip Hop issue.
Derick Cross, African Voices' art director and renowned beatbox performer, will serve as the event's MC, with special performances by poets reg e gaines and Avery Danae Williams. The celebration continues on April 13th with African Voices Hip Hop @ 50 Community Day at The Venue. From 3 pm to 8 pm, attendees can enjoy poetry readings, a creative writing workshop, music, and an open mic session. Limited print copies of the Hip Hop issue, featuring 63 writers spanning four generations, can be purchased online at https://AV Hip Hop @50.
Both events are free, with a suggested donation of $7. For more information, visit https://www.africanvoices.com and https://www.reelsisters.org. This celebration matters because it provides a platform for artists of color during National Poetry Month while honoring hip hop's cultural legacy at its 50-year milestone. The inclusion of diverse voices across generations in the magazine issue and event programming underscores hip hop's enduring influence on literature, film, and community expression. The free accessibility with suggested donations ensures broad community participation in commemorating this cultural anniversary.
The panel discussion led by CR Capers highlights women's contributions to hip hop through the 'Ladies First' docuseries, addressing historical representation gaps. The community day component with workshops and open mic sessions fosters creative engagement beyond passive observation. By connecting the Hip Hop issue's 63 writers with live performances and discussions, the events create dialogue between printed literature and performative arts. The timing during National Poetry Month emphasizes hip hop's roots in poetic expression and oral tradition. These events demonstrate how cultural organizations like Reel Sisters and African Voices preserve and evolve artistic traditions while making them accessible to contemporary audiences.
