I, Too, Sing America: Poetry and Open Mic Night

Originally published in 1925 in response to Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing”, which conspicuously left out black voices, Langston Hughes’, “I, Too” is more than a personal statement poem, it’s a cultural affirmation that America includes all voices.

2026 is the Semiquincentennial , the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and there will be lots of celebrations full of bunting and fireworks. But how do you mark the occasion when you don’t feel like celebrating?

The evening will feature selected poets followed by an open mic. We invite local writers and poets to consider the Hughes poem and write a response, citing what parts of America they will be celebrating. Or, in a very American way, which parts they are challenging.