People Are The Focus At 4th Annual Chicago Poetry Block Party

By Daniel Tucker
The Poetry Foundation’s Ydalmi Noriega says poetry is more than just “dead men walking by a pond in the 19th century.“
The Poetry Foundation's Ydalmi Noriega says poetry is more than just "dead men walking by a pond in the 19th century."
The Poetry Foundation’s Ydalmi Noriega says poetry is more than just “dead men walking by a pond in the 19th century.“
The Poetry Foundation's Ydalmi Noriega says poetry is more than just "dead men walking by a pond in the 19th century."

People Are The Focus At 4th Annual Chicago Poetry Block Party

By Daniel Tucker
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Some might say poetry has a stodgy, elite reputation, but the Chicago Poetry Block Party — now in its fourth year — is about making the discipline inclusive and welcoming for all.

The free, all-ages event features readings by poets from Chicago and across the country and live music from local bands.

The people behind the block party say it’s a celebration of creativity and a reminder that poetry happens everywhere and is for everyone.

The 4th annual event takes place Saturday, July 27 at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen from 3 to 7 p.m.

Morning Shift talks with two of the event’s organizers.

GUESTS: Nate Marshall, poet, author of Wild Hundreds, editor of The BreakBeat Poets: New American Poetry in the Age of Hip-Hop and co-creator of Crescendo Literary

Ydalmi Noriega, director of community and foundation relations at the Poetry Foundation

LEARN MORE: Poetry And Community Come Together At The Fourth Annual Chicago Poetry Block Party (Poetry Foundation)

Poetry Incubator For Community-Engaged Poets (Poetry Foundation)