Marvin X (the Human Earthquake) Hits Harlem, NY on Langston Hughes Birthday

[Marvin X]

Marvin X and Nuyorican poet Nancy Mercado at the Harlem reception for Marvin X,  hosted by poet Rashida Ishmaili in her beautiful home.

Hostess Rashida Ishmaili told the gathering of poets, professors, writers, singers, dancers and filmmakers that it was only fitting they each read a poem by Harlem's greatest poet Langston Hughes on his birthday, February 1. For his selection, Marvin X read Dream Variations:



Dream Variations

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me-
That is my dream!

To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening...
A tall, slim tree...
Night coming tenderly
Black like me. 

--Langston Hughes

Marvin X will perform at the NYU tribute to Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka on Tuesday, February 4. He will be joined by living jazz legend Henry Grimes on bass

 Henry Grimes

 Amiri Baraka with Henry Grimes