Kamau Brathwaite has left us all an extensive and generous inheritance. His work reaches back to our collective past. He tended to that in his role as historian and cultural critic but he was also never afraid of innovation.

Beginning on the occasion of his 90th born day (May 11), we honour his gifts for 40 nights (May 11th-June 19th). We have invited writers and scholars to share in the spirit of the word and give voice to portions of his incredible body of work. We hope that this collective celebration will serve both as commemoration of his legacy and a way to commune together during this time of quarantine.

Please follow the celebration on twitter @Kamauremix for a new video released nightly, 6pm (EST) or 7pm (EDT). The celebration kicks off with a video from the NGC Bocas Lit Fest, featuring a reading of Brathwaite’s poem “Wake” by thirteen writers and scholars, released at the festival website, bocaslitfest.com. The first week of 40 Nights of the Voice will also feature readings by: M. NourbeSe Philip, Kwame Dawes, Rinaldo Walcott, Dionne Brand, Christina Sharpe and Opal Palmer Adisa.

All are also invited to join the celebration by uploading their own videos. Please share widely with the hashtags: #KamauBrathwaite #40nightsofTheVoice.

Learn more here.