A new series curated by Hanif Abdurraqib is set to debut at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), bringing together artists who center Black joy, resilience and history.
The series, titled “I Guess It Was My Destiny to Live So Long,” taps into Brooklyn’s long-standing tradition of cultural activism, according to a press release.
“I Guess It Was My Destiny To Live So Long is a series of nights and events that center on the spirit of June Jordan's work: not just her politically radical approach to poetics, but also her radical and expansive approach to the love poem, the form and urgency of love as a central topic, and the understanding that people, collectively, must work to build a new world," Abdurraqib said.
The series will feature artists Jamila Woods, Tasha, and McKinley Dixon, who are known for blending music with Black literature and storytelling. Together, they will offer audiences a powerful celebration of Black resilience and community through lyrical richness and soulful sounds.
Abdurraqib, a MacArthur Genius and BAM’s Curator at Large, said the series is designed to inspire reflection and connection.
“These events speak to poetry’s potential to bridge differences and foster hope, particularly in times of political division,” he said.
The series will also feature readings and discussions intended to bring together Brooklyn’s diverse communities, creating a space to reflect on the current political moment.
The programming includes:
Film Screening: A Place of Rage & Directed by Desire
Nov. 4, 7:30pm | BAM Rose Cinemas
This 1981 documentary, directed by Pratibha Parmar, highlights African American women like Angela Davis, June Jordan and Alice Walker. Following the film, there will be a collaborative reading of Jordan’s poems from Directed by Desire, celebrating her lasting influence on social justice.
Jamila Woods, Tasha, and McKinley Dixon
Nov. 6, 7:30pm | BAM Strong, Harvey Theater
An evening with acclaimed musicians and storytellers Jamila Woods, Tasha and McKinley Dixon, whose work draws deeply from Black literature and oral traditions, promising an immersive journey into Black musical and literary excellence.
Stones in the Water: A Night of Poetry
Nov. 7, 7:30pm | BAM Strong, Harvey Theater
Poets Sarah Kay, Clint Smith, Anis Mojgani and Hanif Abdurraqib unite for their annual reading, creating a space for friendship, artistry, and shared humanity through their collaborative performance.
7 Villages: A Musical Journey of Black Neighborhoods
Nov. 8, 7:30pm | BAM Fisher, Fishman Space
Scott Woods and Dr. Mark Lomax II blend music, dance, and poetry in this work inspired by historically Black neighborhoods, exploring heritage, memory and resilience.
