On January 25, 2021, I read several poems as part of the Enoch Pratt Light Street Writers Exchange annual reading. It was super fun and I enjoyed sharing my work with an audience of 70+ people.

Check out https://www.jennifernshannon.com/events to view the entire reading.

I had three poems published in the anthology "tender, a literary anthology and book of spells: evidence." I wrote the poems while I was living in Pittsburgh, PA (2015-2018) and was able to do an in-person reading prior to the pandemic.

Here, I am sharing my three poems from the book, during our first virtual reading that was presented by White Whale Bookstore on July 24, 2020.

"REVOLT: Black Joy Still Exists, It Always Will" is a virtual exhibit that I curated to showcase Black Joy, Black Love and Black Excellence. 2020 was a tough year to sit home and watch what was happening to Black people. And as a Black woman, I needed something other than the constant reminders of how cruel this country can be towards me and those who have my complexion.

This exhibit was created to bring joy and peace to those around me and to remind us that despite the forces that try to keep us in a constant state of despair, we are courageous, strong, spiritual, joyous, carefree, loving and so much more. This collection from poets, photographers and artists across the U.S., displays beauty and pride in being Black.

The featured photograph is by photographer Elijah Pittman from Maryland.