Author event with Matthew E Henry

844 Elm Street,Manchester NH 03101

19 April, 2023

Description

Poet and educator Matthew E. Henry will read from his semi-autobiographical work the Colored page, the educational journey of a Black student and then teacher in predominantly white spaces. These poems explore 30+ years often being the only Black or Brown face in a classroom, department, or whole district. The Boston Globe says “With clarity and force, he corrects the misconception that Massachusetts, and the northeast, are bastions of tolerance and equality. Henry teaches hard lessons, and necessary ones.” Yet, too, there is joy in these pages. For as much as he shines that telling Black light on the stains of the institutions he has spent his life within, Henry here evidences a life well-lived, a life spent studying, growing, and thriving. Henry asks us to look at the vile and call it out, but then we are tasked to shift our focus to the glory that is the student who triumphs. Henry invites us, ultimately, to a celebration.