Black Poets and Their Fictions: A Reading & Conversation
March 5 | 1:45 - 3PM | Ballroom II, Baltimore Convention Center, Level 400

In September 2024, Furious Flower celebrated its fourth decennial conference, Furious Flower IV: The Worlds of Black Poetry, which explored the expansiveness of expression within traditional and contemporary Black poetic practice. This panel extends that theme, bringing together three award-winning poets, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Canisia Lubrin, and Philip B. Williams, who each recently—and successfully—ventured into the world of fiction to share their experiences with the craft, complications, and rewards of engaging self, history, and language across genre.

Hard Times Require Furious Dancing*
March 6 | 6:30 - 9:30PM | 4MLK | 4 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

When the world feels heavy, find your joy and dance! A free gathering for writers, readers, and literary folx to step out of conference mode and onto the dance floor. This high-energy evening features music by DJ Chris Brooks and The Jonathan Gilmore Project. Light bites, a cash bar, and a photo booth will also be provided. Bring your good vibes and energy for collective joy and footstompin' music. Celebrate your one good thing that's worth the sweat. Wear something festive that moves, shines, or makes you feel seen. Free registration is required. 

*named after the book Hard Times Require Furious Dancing by Alice Walker