Book launch party for Before We Gone by Malachi Byrd

Day Eight invites you to join us in celebrating publication of Malachi Byrd’s new book of poetry, Before We Gone, at a book launch reading Saturday, October 11, 2-3:30pm, at the Shepherd Park Library. The book launch reading for Before We Gone is co-hosted by Tony Keith, Christopher Jon Heuer, Nico Penaranda, Brandon Douglas and the Friends of the Shepherd Park Library.

Malachi Byrd is the 2025 winner of the DC Poet Project, a competition that identifies and supports exceptional poets. The artist known as MalPractice is a poet, teacher, battle rapper, and songwriter from the District of Columbia. He is the former youth Poet Laureate of Washington, D.C. and a graduate of Princeton University. A full-time artist, the author has taught in over 100 schools in the DMV.

Press are encouraged to reach out to Admin DayEight.org for advance copies of the book and additional information.

DETAILS FOR ATTENDEES

During the event the author will read from the book. This is an in-person event free and open to all that will take place at the Shepherd Park Library, 7420 Georgia Ave NW, Saturday October 11th, 2-3:30pm. Signed copies of the book are available for purchase in advance, or at the event.

Space is limited and registration is required. Two ticket types are available: free attendee tickets and “gold tickets” that include a signed copy of the book. Several modes of public transportation are close to the library, and street parking is available

Cover art for Before We Gone is (c) Terence Nicholson, used by permission.

EARLY RESPONSE TO BEFORE WE GONE

Tony Keith, author of How the Boogeyman Became a Poet, wrote, “Before We Gone positions anger beside humor and pedagogy between prayer, carrying a promise that poetry is both love and liberation.”

Christopher Jon Heuer, professor at Gallaudet University and author of Bug and All Your Parts Intact: Poems, wrote, “Malachi Byrd is a poet of tremendous gifts.”

Nico Penaranda, poet and Howard University professor, described the book, “A stunning collection.”

And Brandon Douglas, 2024 DC Poet Project winner and author of Dipped in Cerulean, wrote, “Everything he’s gained from his journey, community, and incredible imagination are evident in his poetry.”

RECENT BOOKS FROM DAY EIGHT

• Salt Water Roots by Amuche Nwafor (October 2024)
• A Rabbit in Search of a Rolex by Regie Cabico (November 2023)
• Dipped in Cerulean by Brandon Douglas (October 2023)
• Silent Tenants by Alberto Roblest (May 2023)
• I’d Rather Be Called a Nerd by Dominic McDonald (December 2022)
• Breaking the Blank by Rebecca Bishophall and Dwayne Lawson-Brown (September 2022)

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