THE DIGITAL REPOSITORY FOR THE BLACK EXPERIENCE
Harris Bank
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
United States
On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, The HistoryMakers hosted a free public program entitled, Write On: The Art of the Written Word. A panel of four HistoryMakers including, publisher and poet Haki Madhubuti, author Samuel Greenlee, poet Angela Jackson and playwright Useni Eugene Perkins, were featured for Black History Month. The program began with event host/moderator, WGN-TV’s Merri Dee, welcoming everyone. She introduced writer and educator Sandra Jackson-Opoku, who gave the history of African American literature as well as the significance of the Black Arts Movement and Gwendolyn Brooks’ contribution to African American literature in Chicago. Each panelist was introduced and recited an excerpt from one of his or her literary works. All four writers spoke about their work, personal experiences and writing techniques. A capacity crowd included students, professionals, women, men and children who were captivated by the panel discussion.