Urban Voices Brings Our Culture Alive at the16th Annual Reading Festival

SOUTH FLORIDA –  Urban Voices brings the urban roots of our culture alive through dance, music, poetry, and real-life stories at the 16^th Annual Reading Festival put on by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Festival Highlights

This year, the festival will be a two-day event with the first day, Friday, February 10^th reserved for students.

For the second day, which is open to the public, the festival begins at 2:00 pm. There will be entertainment by the Jamaican Folk Revue. Plus, poetry by Nicaraguan Poet Francisco Larios. In addition, real life stories of the urban roots of contemporary Jamaican culture by artist and media personality Richard Blackford. Best of all, spoken word, hip-hop and dance with the First Wave Touring Ensemble from the Urban Arts Program at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Keynote Presenter

Our keynote presenter is Jamaican-born Professor Chris Walker, professor of dance at University of Wisconsin-Madison and a former dancer with the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC). For the company’s 60^th anniversary repertoire, Walker choreographed the tribute to Reggae matriarch Rita Marley.  His lecture demonstration – Poetry in Motion- will focus on African Diaspora culture and traditions.

Francisco Larios has three poetry collections to his credit. He lectures at Miami-Dade College and has read internationally.

Artist, blogger, media personality and co-host of a popular online show, Richard Blackford, brings a wealth of knowledge to the festival. He grew up in Kingston and is versed in the genesis of Jamaica’s culture.

A panel discussion on aspects of Caribbean culture will follow the presentations. MC for the event is Sophia Nicholson.

This free community event is presented by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council, under the distinguished patronage of Jamaica’s Consul General, Oliver Mair.

Funding is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. Sponsors include Friends of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center and the Jamaica Tourist Board.

For more information about the event and the work of the Heritage Council visit: www.louisebennettheritage.com.