Lift Every Voice: Why African American Poetry Matters Grants

NEW EXTENDED Deadline: Feb. 21 2019 March 20, 2020

A Library of America Project funded with generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Emerson Collective. Fifty $1,200 grants will be awarded to libraries, museums, and nonprofit cultural institutions to host a minimum of two public programs. Applications are open to public, academic, and community college libraries; and nonprofit museums and community organizations.

All participating institutions will present a minimum of two programs, at least one of which must be a discussion/reading group moderated by a scholar of African American literature designed to draw out and explore the project themes. Other programs could include:

• Poetry readings combined with panel discussions
• An exhibition of material — photographs, rare or signed editions, memorabilia–that reflect the local community’s historic engagement with the tradition that inspire them
• A lecture by a local poetry scholar
• Adult and young adult reading groups based on the Lift Every Voice Reader
• A poetry slam for local poets to share their work and poems
• A poetry workshop led by a local writing instructor
• Musical performances, reflecting the tradition’s deep engagement with the blues, jazz, hip hop, gospel, R&B, and other forms.

Grants may be used for: stipends for a local poet and/or scholar; travel expenses; honoraria; actors/performers fees; publicity and advertising; refreshments; or other costs associated with programming. Grants will also include materials, webinars, and other programming support throughout the grant period.
For more information, and to apply, visit the website for the easy application form: https://africanamericanpoetry.org/apply