Events › The World in Our Backyard: Poetry of Place and Resistance

This program redefines the "World (of) Poetry" by looking at Chicago’s neighborhoods as global crossroads. Our "backyard" is where international human rights issues—such as migration, militarization, and federal policy—become local realities. By connecting the struggles and triumphs of Chicagoans to global traditions of resistance poetry (such as the works of Mahmoud Darwish, Roque Dalton, or Gwendolyn Brooks), this program shows that the "World" is not elsewhere—it is right here.

Isaiah “Adverb” James, a Chicago South Side native, selfless brethren, devoted father, community activist, and multifaceted creative, is a visionary of the art utilizing his talent for words to uplift his village. Especially the youth of this city, to remind them of all the opportunities available to them beyond their own backyards.

Accessibility Info
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.