poetry

Bryant Terry’s VCU Libraries fall lecture offers “Food For All”

/ Bonnie Newman Davis
Bryant Terry Photo by Jay Paul

VCU Libraries’ fall lecture, “Food for All” on Oct. 15 with Bryant Terry was a thrilling culinary journey! Bryant, a James Beard Award-winning chef, served up a delectable blend of food, culture, Black history, art, humor, and music. His new book, “Black Food,” promises a flavorful exploration of stories, art, and recipes from the African Diaspora. Huge thanks to Irene Herold, Teresa Knott, Antonia Vassar, Kelly Gotschalk, and Sue Robinson for organizing this thought-provoking lecture. Learn more about Bryant’s lecture below.

2025 Fall Lecture puts activism, art and food justice center stage

By Frances Burson

VCU Libraries’ annual Fall Lecture, Food For All, held Oct. 15, featured chef, author and artist Bryant Terry. Terry took us on a journey through his 25-year multidisciplinary career, blending food justice, publishing, art and activism—all rooted in deep values of interconnection, social justice and community engagement. He shared how his recent MFA from UC Berkeley helped integrate his diverse work into a cohesive studio practice, allowing him to experiment across mediums such as sculpture, sound and mixed media.

His work is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, cultural memory and movements like the Black Panther Party, which he referenced as foundational to his food justice activism. Terry shared in detail how projects like Razed Bed #2 and The Table and the Larder transform everyday materials and traditional food practices into living works of art that honor Black resilience and history. 

The talk concluded with a “Recipe for Staying Curious,” a poetic and reflective framework that likened creativity to cooking, requiring preparation, risk, care and improvisation. It was a call to stay open, ask hard questions, and let both failure and joy shape the work. 

At a lunch with public health students and librarians earlier in the day, Terry explored the challenges of eating local, sustainably raised food, retaining food culture after immigration, the global infiltration of highly processed foods, and the impact of food on aging, health, and disease management.

Terry is the author of five cookbooks, including Vegetable Kingdom and Afro-Vegan, and editor of Black Food and The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2025. From 2015 to 2022, he served as the inaugural Chef-in-Residence at San Francisco’s Museum of the African Diaspora, curating dynamic programming connecting food, health, farming, and art. Most recently, he completed an MFA in Art Practice at the University of California at Berkeley in 2025 and was awarded a prestigious Graduate Fellowship at Headlands Center for the Arts for 2025–2026. 

‘Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey’

/ Bonnie Newman Davis

Robert L. Dortch’s debut collection of poetry and photography explores being a Black man in America, amid themes of identity, love, justice, and resilience

Robert L. Dortch Jr. recites a poem from his new book, “Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey,
on June 19, 2025 at Richmond’s historic Hippdrome Theater in Jackson Ward.

The Juneteenth book launch for Robert L. Dortch Jr.’s “Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey” was a resounding success!  Presented on June 19, 2025, at the Speakeasy Grill @ The Hippodrome in Richmond, Virginia, the event was a celebration of Dortch’s debut collection, which intricately weaves poetry and photography to explore the multifaceted experience of being a Black man in America.

The evening, presented by the Shockoe Institute, was a vibrant tapestry of art and conversation, featuring live poetry readings and a “Cool Fire Conversation” between Dortch and award-winning author Stacy Hawkins Adams. The event was further enlivened by a special performance from the celebrated musician and theater icon Desirée Roots, whose soulful melodies resonated with the themes of identity, resilience, and hope that permeate Dortch’s work.

“Cool Fire” is more than just a collection of poems; it is a profound exploration of identity, healing, and legacy. Dortch’s work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the broader societal context, offering a poetic path forward in challenging times. His poem “When Will Tomorrow Come: for Langston Hughes” poignantly captures the longing for a brighter future, echoing the timeless voices of the Harlem Renaissance.

The event was a testament to Dortch’s ability to connect personal stories with universal themes, encouraging a deep contemplation of humanity and the enduring impact of history. As Marland Buckner, President & CEO of the Shockoe Institute, aptly noted, “Dortch’s voice is a significant addition to America’s literary landscape, offering clarity and insight into the unique dimensions of Black American masculinity.”

“Thank you to everyone who made the Juneteenth book launch of ‘Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey’ at The Hippodrome Theater a success,” Dortch said a day after the event. “Last night, in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, we celebrated ‘An Evening of Cool Fire’. It’s almost 100 years since Langston Hughes authored his first book “Weary Blues.” In that spirit, ‘Cool Fire’ integrates poetry and photography to take readers on a poetic journey of what it means to be a Black man.”

Accolades also came from others who were part of the celebration.                                     

“What an amazing few hours of being reminded of the power of words, and the power in embracing the vulnerability it takes to produce art that serves a great purpose,” said Adams, the author of more than a dozen books, who led conversations with Dortch, Buckner and author Gigi Armteau about his new work. “May Cool Fire open doors to doors to deeper introspection and healing discussions for all who read.”

Legacy sponsors for the evening included the Massie Law Firm, the BND Institute of Media and Culture Inc., and Rainmaker Industries Group.

Tracey G. Wiley, CEO of Rainmaker, said she is an avid fan of poetry and Harlem Renaissance writers, particular Langston Hughes, for whom Dortch pays homage in his book.

“The art of poetry allows us an array of emotions wrapped in rhythm, colorful scenes and black and white realities of life, love and pain,” said Wiley. “My company, Rainmaker Industries Group, LLC, is proud to be an investor in one our own native sons of Richmond, author, artist, and literary genius, Robert L. Jr. Dortch during the launch of his second book, ‘Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey’. Robert’s book is symbolically aligned with Juneteenth and our quest for liberation at a time such as this. I encourage everyone to get a copy of  ‘Cool Fire’ and spend time journeying through our collective and shared communities.”

Bonnie Newman Davis, executive director of the BND Institute of Media and Culture, echoed Wiley. The “Cool Fire” book launch was the BND Institute’s third collaboration with Dortch and his JS Literary House.

“The launch of “Cool Fire” is a heartfelt reminder of the power of art to inspire reflection and honor our shared humanity,” said Davis, adding how much she enjoyed the evening’s strong sense of community. “Robert L. Dortch Jr.’s work stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, urging us to embrace our truths and triumph over adversity.”

“Cool Fire: A Black Man’s Poetic Odyssey,” is now available at Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other retailers.

For more information, please visit www.thecoolfire.com or contact bonnienewmandavis@gmail.com

A tribute to Nikki Giovanni

/ Bonnie Newman Davis

Virginia Festival of the Book Presents: A Tribute to Nikki Giovanni: Celebrating a Legacy through Poetry, Music, and Dance

The legendary poet Nikki Giovanni’s impact extends beyond the world of poetry. As an activist and educator, Nikki left an indelible mark on the world.

Virginia Humanities’ Virginia Center for the Book will proudly honor her legacy with an evening of dance, music, poetry, and prose—some of Nikki’s favorite things—in a special Virginia Festival of the Book event featuring authors Jericho Brown, Rita Dove, Tayari Jones, and Remica Bingham-Risher, as well as the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre and other performers, authors, and musicians, in a program under the guiding vision of Furious Flower Poetry Center founder Joanne Gabbin, and the artistic direction of local theater-maker Constance Swain.

A voice of power and grace, she ignited minds with her poetry. A champion of civil rights and Black arts, she wove words of truth, love, and resilience. Nikki Giovanni’s legacy inspires generations to embrace their voices and fight for a more just world.

This event is SOLD OUT.

Untangling the Publishing Process

Courtesy, Virginia Humanities Center for the Book

Whether you’re fascinated by bookbinding, curious about publishing, or just passionate about books, these events cover all the chapters in a book’s life. Celebrating the artistry and industry behind publishing, the 2025 Virginia Festival of the Book offers a rare opportunity to learn from experts, engage in hands-on activities, and gain a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and processes behind every book on your shelf. Be sure to explore these unforgettable events celebrating the art and business of books!

Navigating the publishing world can be daunting, but author Kalela Williams is here to help. In this session, the Director of the Virginia Center for the Book will break down the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, offering insight into working with agents, editors, and publicists. Williams, whose debut YA novel Tangleroot was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2024, will share her own experiences—the highs and lows—of getting published. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a brief query-letter writing activity, making this a practical session for those looking to break into the industry.

Join in on the untangling on March 21st at 11 a.m. in Omni Salon C. 

More information: