Past Events

Story Matters Foundation and the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame teamed up with CASL for a free youth writing workshop. Sahar Mustafah led participants through simple craft lessons as they used stories to explore facets of their personal experiences. Several Chicago poems from Wherever I'm At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry were incorporated in…

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The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, in partnership with Stories Matter Foundation and The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, will offer a one-day workshop with acclaimed Southside author, poet and educator Tara Betts. The workshop, open to young people between the ages of 12 and 18, expects to draw attendees from the greater Woodlawn community.…

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The Sunday Reading Series at Chicago's iconic Hungry Brain will feature four readers from Wherever I'm At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry. Simone Muench and Kenyatta Rogers host this memorable evening of iconic poets including Kristiana Rae Colón, Viola Lee, Tara Betts, and Rachel Galvin.

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Author, critic and scholar Richard Guzman leads a panel discussion that ties history and verse, with several contributors to the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s new poetry anthology. Panelists include 2015 Fuller Award winner Haki Madhubuti, along with poets Vida Cross, Yolanda Nieves, and Virginia Bell. The event is free and open to the…

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A new poetry anthology, edited by Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Founding Executive Director Donald G. Evans and the late Robin Metz, was celebrated at this official launch party. More than 100 Chicago poets are included in the anthology, and many were present to join in the release. There were short readings, music, and drinks. This collaboration…

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Program pdf When the pandemic shut down live programming back in early 2020, we held over an induction class. Then last year, with conditions not dramatically improved, we held the rescheduled ceremony but not the latest class. Finally, this year, we were determined to get up to date on all our new inductees. The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Class…

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Carlos Cumpián leads a discussion of Chicago poetry as he and panelists Angela Jackson, Faisal Mohyuddin, and Johanny Vázquez Paz give a sneak preview of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame's soon-to-be-released Wherever I'm At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry. Though the official release date is Monday, June 13, a limited number…

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Join the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame as we join up with several Algren afficionados, including filmmaker Michael Caplan, biogapher Mary Wisniewski, teacher John Lillig, and DePaul University lecturer Salli Berg Seeley, on a walking tour of the author’s old neighborhood. Stops will include his old longtime residence, several of his favorite…

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Join Billy Lombardo as he leads the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame's roundup of Chicago bookstores. Independent Bookstore Day is a tradition meant to celebrate and support our local stores, and it always is a special and fun-packed day. Our live correspondents, including Beth Doyle, Jarrett Neal, and YA author Riley…

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Chicago Literary Hall of Fame inductee Shel Silverstein (Class of 2014) is getting his own postage stamp. CLHOF Founding Executive Director Donald G. Evans will serve as Masters of Ceremonies for a lineup that includes Air Force Academy High School (Honor Guard), USPS Letter Carrier Khalid Haynes, (National Anthem), USPS VP of…

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