National Poetry Month Celebrated with a Variety of Uplifting and Powerful Events Hosted by Poet Sistah Joy

March 17 2004--"Strong Hands of Mother Africa", "My Fine Chocolate Brother", "Pork Chops and Twinkies", and her celebrated "With Honors" are among the many provocative and moving poems from the nationally acclaimed book, Lord, I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can, by Poetry Virtuosa, J. Joy Matthews Alford, poetically known as Sistah Joy. The popular poet will honor the art of the Spoken Word during April 2004 in celebration of National Poetry Month by presenting her work at a variety of events in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Having premiered the book's second release during the Harrison Museum of African American Culture in Roanoke, VA, featuring the acclaimed poet of distinction, Nikki Giovanni, as the keynote poet, Sistah Joy has enjoyed national and international recognition for the moving intensity her poems present and has been hailed by Washington Post journalist, Dorothy Gilliam, "The book's depth lies in Alford's clear understanding of what it means to be rooted in Africa while grounded in her experiences as a black woman in America."

Literary lovers can enjoy Alford's work at featured events including: MLK Library National Poetry Month Kick-off Sat., April 3rd, from 11am - 1pm (a 1-day poetry workshop with "pre-K through 7year olds", as well as adults); Sat. April 10th Barnes & Noble National Poetry Month Special Event featuring open mic for Youth from 1pm-3pm and for adults from 5pm to 7pm; a live radio presentation and interview on WHUR-FM (Joe's Place) on Wed., April 14th, and a Reading and book signing at Howard University Book Store, Washington, DC on Wed. April 21st at 4pm. Karibu Books will feature Sistah Joy reading and signing her book at store locations including; Bowie Fri. April 9th at 6:30pm; Iverson Mall Sat. April 17th at 2pm; and Forestville Mall at 2pm on Sat. April 24th . Sistah Joy will also present the National Poetry Month event at the Jesus Bookstore, Allentown RD, Camp Springs on Sat. April 17th from 4:00pm to 6pm; Barnes & Noble Downtown on Thu. April 15th for the Monthly Poetry Soiree, Verse, Vibes, & Bites from 7-9pm and on Thu. April 15th the Federal Communications Commission will sponsor a poetry event called "Everybody Wins DC" at Amidon Elementary School. On Easter Sunday, April 11th at 11am the Anointed Pens, Ebenezer AME's Poetry Ministry, founded by Sistah Joy, will celebrate services with a poetry presentation featuring Sistah Joy and others. For a complete listing contact 202-246-0111.

Published by Thelemaque Publishing, Sistah's Joy's book is also now available on Amazon and local bookstores.




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