In an effort to bring together poets that defined eras with new blood who are blazing new territory, the Journal of Pan African Studies Poetry Festival and Chauncey Bailey Book Fair will take place from noon to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St. in downtown Oakland.

The event will include Al Young, California poet laureate emeritus; devorah major, San Francisco poet laureate emeritus;  Ptah Allah El; Marvin X, Miesha; Ramar Lamar;  Fritz Pointer; Renaldo Manuel Riketts; Paradise Jah Love; Aries Jordan; Ayodele Nzingha; Tureeda Mikell; Itibara M. Zulu;  Niyah X, Maisha; Nyimbe Brossard; Phavia Kujichugulia; Timothy Reid and Oakland Local's Kwan Booth. There also will be an open mike session for budding poets.
 
The ambitious undertaking presents a celebration of Black History month; the book fair in honor of slain Oakland Post editor Chauncey Bailey; accolades to the publishing (in print and online) of the epic, 475-page "Journal of Pan African Studies;" and a tribute to publishing legend Jose Goncalves of the 1960s "Journal of Black Poetry." 

The festival is a creatively designed program blending the poetry and songs of the featured poets into a series of journeys through different phases of the Black Arts Movementís search for self and identity. Poet and editor Marvin X - who is working with Bay Area black authors, the Post Newspaper Group, Lower Bottom Playaz, Greg Bridges, Oakland Local and many others to put on the event, mentioned one of the more somber segments of the day of celebration.

"We're going to take a walk over to 14th and Alice where Chauncey Bailey was shot and killed," Marvin X said. "We're going do poetry and prayer."

Attendees also are asked to buy books from the book fair and from the poets to send to those incarcerated who, Marvin X points out, "have a thirst for learning and the time for it. We can help them build their literacy and appreciation of literature."
 
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (510) 287-8200 or visit www.blackbirdpressnews.blogspot.com.