African Poetry Book Distribution Project: Poetry Reading and Research

Kwame Dawes and the African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) team will present research findings from the African Poetry Book Distribution Project. Funded by a Poetry Foundation grant, the Project studied poetry book distribution in African countries to improve accessibility and foster sustainable partnerships with publishing and literary stakeholders throughout Africa. The event also features readings from Midwest poets connected to the project, including Chris Abani, Rabha Ashry, Tjawangwa Dema, and Cheswayo Mphanza.

This event is part of the Poetry Foundation’s fall 2025 season, Facing Life.

• 1-1:45 PM: Poetry reading by Chris Abani, Rabha Ashry, Tjawangwa Dema, and Cheswayo Mphanza
• 1:45-2 PM: Break
• 2-2:30 PM: Research + Visualization presentations by Sena Dawes and Uche Okonkwo
• 2:30-3 PM: Conversation with Kwame Dawes and Uche Okonkwo
  

Additional Information

• All Poetry Foundation events are completely free of charge and open to the public.
• Advanced registration is encouraged.
• The performance space is ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible.
• The program will feature CART captioning and ASL interpretation.
• For more information about accessibility at the Poetry Foundation, please visit our Accessibility Guide.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Poetry Foundation, 61 West Superior Street, Chicago, United States