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 amplifies the voices of artists of color during a milestone anniversary for hip hop, a cultural movement with global influence. The events provide a platform for intergenerational dialogue, artistic expression, and community engagement, reinforcing the importance of preserving and celebrating Black cultural contributions. By featuring a diverse lineup of poets, filmmakers, and musicians, the celebration underscores hip hop's role as a vehicle for storytelling, social commentary, and empowerment. The inclusion of the 'Ladies First' docuseries episode highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in hip hop, addressing historical gaps in representation. The free, accessible nature of the events ensures broad community participation, fostering cultural appreciation and education. This initiative by Reel Sisters and African Voices magazine serves as a model for how arts organizations can commemorate cultural milestones while supporting emerging and established artists of color. The celebration's timing during National Poetry Month further connects hip hop's lyrical traditions to broader literary and artistic movements, emphasizing its enduring relevance in contemporary culture.
