Real People, Real Stories, Mattapan: A Photography Exhibition and Poetry Reading

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Boston is a city rich in history and culture; the city’s heart and voice speak through the dynamic lives of its residents.  Boston Poet Laureate Danielle Legros Georges, photographer Jennifer Waddell, and project collaborators have joined to curate Real People, Real Stories, Mattapan, a photography exhibition and poetry reading celebrating Mattapan and the people who make this Boston neighborhood the vibrant community that it is.

“This project has been a collaboration since the beginning,” Georges commented “Jenn and I met at a fundraiser a couple of years ago, and we knew we wanted to work together on an arts-related project. I also knew that I wanted to do a Mattapan project—having grown up in Mattapan, and lived here for a number of years.”

The poetry reading will consist of original work inspired by the portraits and interviews with Mattapan residents and takes place on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Readers for the evening include poet and Capturing Fire Summit champion Mia Willis, African Repertory Troupe Inc. Artistic Director Cassandra Cato-Louis, human service worker and non-violence advocate Arthur Kitty, Beyond Wordz Founder Johane Alexis-Phanor, and visual artist and civil rights activist Robert Peters.

The opening reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition will run from June 15 – August 15 at the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library.

Real People, Real Stories, Mattapan is sponsored and supported by The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Urban Mechanics and The Boston Public Library – Mattapan Branch.