Mahogany L. Browne, Inaugural Poet-in-Residence at Lincoln Center, to Join MCPL’s ‘Contemporary Conversations’ Series on Monday, June 3

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 16, 2024

Renowned writer Mahogany L. Browne, Lincoln Center’s inaugural poet-in-residence, will be the featured speaker at Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) “Contemporary Conversations” series. The free event, “Chlorine Skies and Chrome Valleys: The Work of Mahogany L. Browne,” will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 3, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville.

The event was rescheduled after it was previously scheduled for Feb. 27 during Black History Month.

The Marilyn J. Praisner Library is located at 14910 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. Advance registration is required to attend. For more information, visit the MCPL website.

“Despite the barriers of racism and slavery, Black Americans have made significant contributions to our County, State and nation that deserve to be celebrated beyond Black History Month,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Understanding Black history is critical to recognizing the long-lasting impacts of systemic racism and oppression. To build a better future, we must acknowledge and understand our past—good and bad. I applaud our public libraries for organizing this important ‘Community Conversation’ with author and poet Mahogany L. Browne, 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 Poet’s 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 question-and-answer session and a book signing reception featuring complimentary light fare. Books will be available for purchase at the event from the Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC) or by visiting the FOLMC website.

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

For more information about previous Contemporary Conversations speakers, please visit the MCPL website. 

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Release ID: 24-233
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Library