Mahogany L. Browne, Inaugural Poet-in-Residence at Lincoln Center, to Join MCPL’s ‘Contemporary Conversations’ Series on Feb. 27, in Honor of Black History Month

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 1, 2024

Renowned writer Mahogany L. Browne, Lincoln Center’s inaugural poet-in-residence, will be the featured speaker at the Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) “Contemporary Conversations” series in celebration of Black History Month. The free event, titled “Chlorine Skies and Chrome Valleys: The Work of Mahogany L. Browne,” will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville.

The Marilyn J. Praisner Library is located at 14910 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. Advance registration is required to attend. For more information, visit https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/9968618.

“In February, we recognize Black History Month, which is an opportunity to understand the impact of racism and slavery and recognize that despite those barriers there is a rich history of accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to our County, state and nation,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Understanding Black history is critical to understanding the residual and long-lasting impacts of systemic racism, discrimination, red-lining and years of oppression. For us to create a better future, we must acknowledge and understand our past—both the good and the bad. I applaud our Public Libraries for organizing this important ‘Community Conversation’ with noted author and poet Mahogany L. Browne at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library, and I encourage residents to attend.”

Ms. Browne is a playwright, community organizer, arts event curator and literary educator who has received fellowships from Arts for Justice, Air Serenbe, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research, and Rauschenberg. She is the author of Vinyl Moon, Chlorine Sky, Chrome Valley, Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice, Woke Baby and Black Girl Magic. Ms. Browne is the executive director of JustMedia, a media literacy initiative designed to support the groundwork of criminal justice leaders and community members.

“Since 2017, the Contemporary Conversations series has brought many experienced authors and journalists to discuss cultural and current issues with our community members,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “The Montgomery County Public Libraries is delighted to bring a young adult author of the caliber of Mahogany L. Browne to the series to continue having meaningful conversations in this community forum.”

Ms. Browne’s presentation will be followed by a questions and answers session and a book signing reception featuring complimentary light fare. Books will be available at the event for purchase from the Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC) or by visiting https://bookshop.org/shop/folmc.

The Contemporary Conversations series is sponsored by FOLMC and Classroom 2 Community (C2C).

Previous speakers in the Contemporary Conversations series have included Kojo Nnamdi, David Ignatius, Charles Lane, Hena Khan, Michelle Singletary, Dinaw Mengestu, Joshua Johnson, Elizabeth Kolbert, Haben Girma, Jarret Krosoczka, Michael W. Twitty, Sheree Renée Thomas, Tyehimba Jess, Karen Washington, Jabira S. Walker, Emanuel Xavier, Regie Cabico, Dr. DJ Kuttin KandyBBoy, Danny Nguyen and Tony Medina.

For more information about previous speakers, please visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/programs/contemporary-conversations.html

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Release ID: 24-059
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Library