31st Annual Langston Hughes Poetry Reading 2026

Authors

• President's Office, Rhode Island School of DesignFollow
• Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading Committee, Langston Hughes Community Poetry ReadingFollow
• Center for Community Partnerships, Rhode Island School of DesignFollow
• Emmanuel Escobar
• Ikea M. Johnson Ph.D., Salve Regina UniversityFollow

Files

Description

The annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading remains the must-see opening destination for Black History Month events throughout Rhode Island. On Sunday, February 1st, 2026, we will once again hold a legacy celebration of the poems of the international icon with Rhode Island ties, the late Langston Hughes. Hughes’ reach transcends well beyond being the writer and voice of the Harlem Renaissance. This milestone event features readings of Hughes’ poems by community members, live music by Emmanuel Escobar, and reflections on the enduring power of Hughes’ work. This year’s featured scholar is Dr. Ikea Johnson from Salve Regina University. The joyous event will be online https://risd.zoom.us/j/94866620343. It is free and open to the public from 1-3 PM.
Coordinated by the Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading Committee hosted by RISD Center for Community Partnerships

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Keywords

Langston Hughes, Black History Month, poetry, poetry reading, community engagement, community partnerships

Disciplines

Black History | Civic and Community Engagement | Poetry

Recommended Citation

Office, President's; Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading Committee; Center for Community Partnerships; Escobar, Emmanuel; and Johnson, Ikea M. Ph.D., "31st Annual Langston Hughes Poetry Reading 2026" (2026). Lectures and Presentations. 2.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/president_lecturespresentations/2