Skip to main content

MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry & Prose




“MidnightRose serves as a vibrant platform that highlights the diverse voices of multigenerational and multicultural writers from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. This initiative is brought to life by Esther Productions Inc., in collaboration with The Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund. The series aims to celebrate the literary talents within the community, showcasing a variety of poetic and prose works that reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that define the region.


Attendees of MidnightRose can expect to engage with a dynamic array of award-winning poets and authors, each bringing their unique narratives and artistic expressions to the forefront. The event not only serves as a performance space but also as a gathering that fosters dialogue and connection among writers and audiences alike. By immersing oneself in the powerful words and stories shared during the series, participants are invited to explore themes of identity, culture, and resilience, all of which resonate deeply within the community.


The essence of MidnightRose lies in its ability to inspire and empower individuals through the art of storytelling. As the series unfolds, it creates an atmosphere where creativity flourishes, and the voices of underrepresented writers are amplified. This initiative not only enriches the cultural landscape of the Washington Metropolitan Region but also encourages a deeper appreciation for the literary arts, inviting everyone to partake in the transformative power of poetry and prose.”


Sept. 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA


About the event


MidnightRose is a showcase of the multigenerational, multicultural writers in the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. Experience the richness of the community through the presentations of award-winning poets and authors. Come allow the words to inspire and empower you.



E. ETHELBERT MILLER is a literary activist and author of two memoirs and several poetry collections including his baseball trilogy: If God Invented Baseball, When Your Wife Has Tommy John Surgery and How I Found Love Behind the Catcher’s Mask published by City Point Press. He hosts the WPFW morning radio show On the Margin with E. Ethelbert Miller and hosts and produces The Scholars on UDC-TV which received a 2020 Telly Award. He is Associate Editor and a columnist for The American Book Review. He was given a 2020 congressional award from Congressman Jamie Raskin in recognition of his literary activism, awarded the 2022 Howard Zinn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Peace and Justice Studies Association, and named a 2023 Grammy Nominee Finalist for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. On March 2, 2024, Miller received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to African American Literature and DC’s literary community from Esther Productions Inc. On September 18, 2024, he will receive the Furious Flower Lifetime Achievement Award.



NAOMI AYALA is a Puerto Rican poet, educator, and translator who’s published three poetry collections—Wild Animals on the Moon (Curbstone Press, 1997); This Side of Early (Curbstone Imprint, Northwestern University Press, 2008); and Calling Home: Praise Songs & Incantations (Bilingual Press, 2013). She’s the translator of La sombra de la Muerte/Death’s Shadow, a novel by His Excellency José Tomás Pérez, the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to the U.S., and of Luis Alberto Ambroggio’s poetry collection La arqueología del viento/The Wind’s Archeology. She’s the proud recipient of artist fellowships from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities as well as Special Recognition for Community Service from the U.S. Congress.



BRIAN GILMORE is a native of Washington DC. Bard and Barrister, he is the author of four collections of poetry, including come see about me marvin (Wayne State University Press), a 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award recipient. Gilmore is also the author of the forthcoming cultural history, No More Worlds To Conquer: The Black Poet in Washington DC Since Dunbar, to be published in 2025 by Georgetown University Press. He practiced public interest law for 28 years in Washington DC and Michigan and served as a Clinical Law Professor at Howard University School of Law and Michigan State University College of Law. Presently, he is Senior Lecturer at the University of Maryland - College Park in the Law and Society Program (MLAW).


For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com.


Additional details can also be found on the official website of Esther Productions, Inc. at the provided link - https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/midnightrose-a-reading-series-of-poetry-prose.






Esther Productions Inc. is supported by generous contributions—past and present--from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Veterans Services Corp, Pepco, an Exelon Company, A.Scott Bolden, David Jannarone, HumanitiesDC, Lesa Warrick, Rosalind Blunt, Betty Nyangoni and Esther’s Friends.



Popular posts from this blog

The exploration of human experiences within the context of abstract art

  Quote found on the Internet “The exploration of human experiences within the context of abstract art reveals a profound interplay between emotion and perception. Abstract art, characterized by its departure from representational forms, invites viewers to engage with their own feelings and interpretations. This genre transcends traditional boundaries, allowing individuals to connect with the artwork on a personal level, often evoking a range of responses that are deeply rooted in their own life experiences. The absence of recognizable subjects encourages a more introspective approach, prompting viewers to reflect on their emotions and thoughts as they navigate the vibrant colors, shapes, and textures presented before them.”

Nature’s Twirl

  Nature’s Twirl. Digital art created on canvas. December 3, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Mr. David C. Miller presenter

  Esther Productions Inc., The Black Student Fund and Tenley-Friendship Library present a special edition of MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose on Feb. 8, 2025 from 11 am to 1pm for the entire family.  For further questions, please send them to midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com . https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/special-black-history-month-midnightrose-a-reading-series-of-poetry-and-prose-focusing-on-childrens-literature "Baltimore native, David C. Miller, has received international acclaim for Dare to Be King: What If the Prince Lives . A Survival Workbook for African American Males, a thought-provoking, 52-week curriculum teaching adolescent males how to survive and thrive in toxic environments. Miller is a Ph.D. Candidate in the School of Social Work at Morgan State University with a primary concentration on Black Fatherhood. Miller has written several children’s books, including Chef Toussaint , Khalil’s Way , Brooklyn’s Finest: The Greene Fa...

Multicultural literature

  Quote found on the Internet  “Multicultural literature encompasses a diverse range of literary works that reflect the varied cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of different ethnic and social groups. This genre serves as a vital platform for voices that have historically been marginalized or underrepresented in mainstream literature. By exploring themes such as identity, belonging, and cultural conflict, multicultural literature invites readers to engage with the complexities of human experience across different societies and traditions. The significance of multicultural literature lies in its ability to foster understanding and empathy among readers from different backgrounds. Through rich narratives and authentic character portrayals, these works challenge stereotypes and promote a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. They often highlight the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating their identities within the context of their cultural herita...

Simple and Extraordinary

  Quote found on the Internet  Simple and Extraordinary. Digital art created on canvas. October 16, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Thanksgiving

   “Best of all is it to preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song.”- Konrad von Gesner  Thanksgiving. Digital art created on canvas. November 28, 2024. Afrika Abney  Thanksgiving has been tough for me since I was a student between losing loved ones, facing traumatic experiences, and overcoming racism and discrimination.  “Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. during the 1970s was a unique blend of tradition and the evolving cultural landscape of the era. The nation’s capital, known for its rich history and political significance, became a focal point for various Thanksgiving celebrations that reflected both the solemnity of the holiday and the vibrancy of the 1970s. As the decade progressed, Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. began to reflect broader societal changes, including the growing awareness of social issues and the push for civil rights. The holiday served as a reminder of the impo...

Passionate Transparency

  Passionate Transparency. Digital art created on canvas. December 5, 2024. Afrika Abney  Love does not yell, envy, betray, hold grudges, and manipulate. Love is a spectrum of colors, beauty, elegance, sophistication, devotion, commitment, respect, honesty, and sacredness. Love is fulfilling hopes, wishes, desires and demonstrating intense passion. Love is me who does not believe in true love, soulmates, and perfection. I believe love is encompassed with authenticity, grand gestures, trust, respect, and transparency from a single straight man over the age of 30 who has not forgotten their home training. 

Flyer Design

    Throughout my career, I have taken the initiative to create my own flyers, showcasing my unique design style and vision. In addition to my work, I have had the privilege of being hired by various organizations to develop flyers that effectively communicate their messages.  As a consultant, I understand the importance of delivering high-quality work that not only meets but exceeds client expectations. My commitment to excellence drives me to pay meticulous attention to detail in every design I undertake. Whether I am working on my own promotional materials or collaborating with organizations, I strive to create visually compelling flyers that capture attention and convey information clearly and effectively. https://afrikaabneyconsultant.weebly.com/flyer-designing.html

Radiant Holiday Canvas

  Radiant Holiday Canvas. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney 

Daily Routine and Commitment

      Quote found on the Internet  My daily routine is characterized by a high level of productivity, as I consistently engage in various activities that keep me occupied throughout the day. My focus is primarily on branding, the creation of digital art, and offering a range of services. This commitment to my work ensures that I remain fully immersed in my own work and services, allowing me to maximize my creative output and maintain a steady workflow. As I work from home, I find myself deeply engrossed in utilizing my digital palette and selecting an array of colors to produce my digital art. There is nothing mentioned in my blog posts about relationships. Please take the time to read. Thank you