with...  Amiri Baraka

A group of community activists, performers, educators, civic organizers, arts administrators and others have begun meeting to plan the 75th birthday celebration of renowned poet, author and community activist Amiri Baraka. Baraka turns 75 on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. Plans for a four-day celebration are in the works.  This tribute is scheduled for October 7-9, 2009 in Newark, NJ.

The celebration will center around Baraka’s social activism and his life-long involvement in the arts and politics. There will be poetry readings, performances, an art exhibition and other ancillary programs. All activities will take place in the city of Newark.

“It is only right that we honor one of America's greatest national treasures, Amiri Baraka, our native son of Newark,"  - David Muhammad, Planning Committee Chair.