3rd Saturday Poetry in Chinatown

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Open mic before and after the featured poets. Sign up at 1 pm.

Born and raised in California, granddaughter of immigrants, documented and undocumented, Devorah Major served as San Francisco’s Third Poet Laureate (2002-2006). In 2022 she received the Regina Coppola International Literary Award in Italy where her sixth book of poetry, “With open arms” was released in a bilingual edition in 2020.  A Willow Press Editor’s Choice her seventh book of poetry, “Califia’s Daughter” was published by Willow Press in 2020.

In terms of other publications she has four poetry chapbooks, two novels, two biographies for young adults, and a host of short stories, essays, and individual poems published in anthologies and periodicals.  Ms. Major is featured on a number of CDs including Fierce//Love and The Tongue is a Drum as a part of Daughters of Yam, a poetry and jazz performance duo. Trade Routes, a commissioned symphony with spoken word and chorus, premiered under Maestro Michael Morgan and the Oakland East Bay Symphony in 2006. In June 2015 major premiered her poetry play Classic Black: Voices of 19th Century African Americans in San Francisco at the San Francisco International Arts Festival.  Devorah Major is also a baker of pies and lover of jazz.

Oakland-Chinatown born, Nellie Wong has published four poetry books: Dreams in Harrison Railroad Park, The Death of Long Steam Lady, Stolen Moments  and Breakfast Lunch Dinner.  Her poems and essays appear in numerous journals and anthologies.  Two pieces are installed at public sites in San Francisco.  She’s co-featured in the documentary film, “Mitsuye and Nellie  Asian American Poets.”  Among her recognitions a building at Oakland High School is named after her.  She’s traveled to China in the first American Women Writers Tour with Alice Walker, Tillie Olsen and Paule Marshall, among others.

$6 all-day parking at St. Mary’s Square Garage.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.