Wednesday, November 19
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Martin University
2168 N Sherman Dr.
Esteemed poet, educator, and publisher Dr. Haki Madhubuti, a foundational member of the Black Arts Movement, is returning to Indianapolis for a special engagement at Martin University, the heart of Black higher education in the city. On November 19 from 6 to 8 pm, Madhubuti will deliver a public lecture. And on Thursday will lead a free writer’s workshop, offering attendees a rare opportunity to sharpen their craft under the guidance of a literary master. This event promises to be a memorable evening of poetry and intellectual engagement, and Martin University is expected to be filled with those who appreciate his profound legacy and enduring voice.
Dr. Haki Madhubuti is a renowned poet, educator, publisher, and institution-builder whose work has been a cornerstone of the Black Arts Movement and contemporary African American literature and thought.
Born Don L. Lee in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1942, he emerged as a leading voice in the 1960s with powerful, socially conscious poetry collections like Think Black! (1967) and Don’t Cry, Scream (1969). His work championed Black identity, self-determination, and cultural pride.
In 1967, he founded Third World Press (now Third World Press Foundation), one of the oldest independent Black-owned publishers in the United States, to ensure a platform for Black voices. A dedicated educator, he co-founded the Institute of Positive Education and later founded and directed the Betty Shabazz International Charter School, both in Chicago. A former student of Gwendolyn Brooks, who became his mentor, Madhubuti has authored over 36 books, including the classic essay collection Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous? He changed his name in 1974 to Haki Madhubuti (Swahili for “justice” and “precise, accurate, and strong”). His lifelong commitment is to the intellectual, cultural, and economic empowerment of the Black community.
Featured photo: image of Dr. Haki Madhubuti at writing desk. Photo credit: Dr. Haki Madhubuti