The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped poets, even though it has altered the ways in which audiences are able to listen to them, as poetry has become an important avenue that allows people to empathize with the experiences of others. 

This Friday, Jan. 15, at 8 p.m., the August Wilson African American Cultural Center is hosting its fifth annual “Poetry Unplugged.” The virtual event will bring together artists from across the country to share works inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King. 

Hosted by Mahogany Browne, the evening will center around the themes of truth and power. It will run for approximately 90 minutes. Award-winning, spoken-word artists will include Nikki Giovanni, jessica Care moore, Paragraph, CJ Parker, Peggy Robles-Alvarado and Caroline Rothstein. 

Tickets are $10 and can be bought online. Viewer discretion is advised due to the potential for mature language and themes. 

August Wilson was a Pittsburgh-born, Pulitzer-prize winning playwright. His renowned collection of plays, The Pittsburgh Cycle, detail the historical experiences of African Americans throughout the 20th century. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center aims to honor his life’s work by continuing to share stories that detail the rich culture and history of the African American experience, as well as engage in a creative dialogue that addresses race, culture, and identity.