Best Labs at DC Public Library Podcasts (2025)

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Get Lit: Christina Tudor, Melissa Scholes Young, Cynthia Via, and OF Cieri 1:00:11

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8 days ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Join us as we celebrate the publication of Grit and Gravity, volume 11 of the Grace and Gravity series, a series dedicated to women writers in the DC area. Christina Tudor and Cynthia Via are two of the excellent writers in the series. (and are both alums of the DC Public Library writers workshops). We chat briefly with Melissa Scholes Young, the e…

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Get Lit: Austin Ross, Alan Good, and Joey Hedger 49:15

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about a year ago49:15

49:15

This month we have local writers Austin Ross and Joey Hedger, both with books out with Malarkey Books. We also have Alan Good, editor of Malarkey Books, who has published a slew of DC writers. Credits Java Pop by Spires That in the Sunset Rise is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. https://freemusicarch…

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Notes from the Library: Health & Human Services 43:10

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about a year ago43:10

43:10

***From 2019*** In this episode, host Victor Benitez interviews Jean Badalamenti, Health & Human Services Coordinator for the DC Public Library and Peer Outreach Specialists Jerome and Renee to talk about about the library's role in assisting DC's most vulnerable and at-risk residents.By Victor Benitez, Jean Badalamenti

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Get Lit: Margaret Roberts Drucker and Ivy Grimes 46:23

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about a year ago46:23

46:23

Join as Margaret Roberts Drucker returns with another scary story, Chris makes a soothing song for these troubling times, and Ivy Grimes reads her piece about someone swallowing a glass piano. Credits Re-Function! by junior85 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License. Life’s Small Pleasures by Christopher Stevenson: DC Metro - Interior 1 by cra…

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All Things Local:Uncovering Roots: Genealogy and the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland 1:29:49

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about a year ago1:29:49

1:29:49

In this episode Carla Wills and Negest Rucker joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss their family connections to slavery in Maryland and the Catholic Church. Recommended books related to this episode: The 272 : the families who were enslaved and sold to build the American Catholic Church / Rachel L. Swarns. The ledger and the chain : how domestic sl…

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DC Public Library Presents: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail 50:29

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about a year ago50:29

50:29

In this episode, we revisit the reading of Reverend Martin Luther King’s 1963 "Letter From A Birmingham Jail". It was performed annually as a staged reading in the Great Hall of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library prior to the library's renovation. Today, we continue that tradition in virtual form, blending voices familiar and new, includin…

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Get Lit: Hannah Grieco and Rose Solari 56:00

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about a year ago56:00

56:00

Join us with the opening episode of the year as we join local writers Hannah Grieco and Rose Solari as we discuss writing, teaching, and running a small press in Washington, DC. Credits: Java Pop by Spires That in the Sunset Rise is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/…

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All Things Local: Love DC GO-GO 37:41

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about a year ago37:41

37:41

In celebration of Go Go preservation week at the DC Public Library, Montu Mitchell joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss his Love DC Go Go clothing campaign and its connection to the culture of Washington, DC. Music by BOPD elevator by BOPD is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/…

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Get Lit: Kristi Ferguson and Stephanie Parent 46:33

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about a year ago46:33

46:33

In this episode DC based writer Kristi Ferguson discusses writing, growing up in Brazil and the DC writing scene. Also joining the podcast is Baltimore based writer Stephanie Parent. She talks about sex work and her memoir My Dungeon Love Affair. Credits: Start to Finish by C. Scott is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. https://…

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All Things Local: Paul Coates 42:35

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about a year ago42:35

42:35

*Original air date: January 29, 2020.*Paul Coates is owner and operator of Black Classic Press, one of the oldest Black publishing companies in the U.S. He joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss his life, publishing company and how books shaped his life.By Paul Coates, Olubunmi Bakare

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Get Lit: Michael Don and Jessica Harris 41:45

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about a year ago41:45

41:45

Join us for our August episode, featuring interviews with George Mason Professor Michael Don and DC Library worker and poet Jessica Harris. Also, the bulk of the music on this episode comes from C. Scott's album Beats Vol. 3, a trip hop album in CCO, often used in tween games. Credits What A Beautiful Sunset is licensed under Creative Commons Attri…

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Get Lit: Lauren Woods and Andrew Bertaina 42:55

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about a year ago42:55

42:55

Credits: Dark Ambient Music (Death And Forever) by TheBoseDeity is licensed under the Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 License. https://freesound.org/people/TheBoseDeity/sounds/395691/ DC Metro - Interior 1 by crashoveride6 is license under CC0 https://freesound.org/people/crashoverride6/sounds/219233/ Washington, DC by The Nighttime Adventure Society…

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Get Lit: George Koors and LJ Pemberton 47:35

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about a year ago47:35

47:35

Join us as we explore what librarians and libraries do. Did you know for example that you can read The Paris Review on PressReader if you have a library card? Also, keeping in theme, we hear from Takoma Park librarians, Writer and Adult Librarian George Koors about his novel Always the Wanderer, and writer LJ Pemberton, whose acclaimed novel Still …

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All Things Local: Diving With a Purpose 55:26

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about a year ago55:26

55:26

In this episode, host Olubunmi Bakare speaks with Kamau Sadiki. Kamau is a Board of Directors member and Lead Instructor with Diving With A Purpose (DWP), an organization committed to resurrecting the stories of shipwrecks involved in the Transatlantic Era of African Enslavement (TEAE) through maritime archaeology. They discuss his mission to find …

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What the Tech: What is Cryptocurrency? 41:43

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about a year ago41:43

41:43

In this epsiode, we tackle Cryptocurrency with guest Adam Zarazinski. Adam is the CEO of Inca Digital, a local Veteran-owned and run company that helps businesses understand and use Cryptocurrency and related technologies. In our interview, Adam breaks down cryptocurrency- what it is, how it works, how to avoid crypto scams, and more. Have you been…

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Get Lit: New Year 26:11

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about a year ago26:11

26:11

credits: swirling winter wind gusty grains sand.flac by Kyles is licensed under the CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication license. https://freesound.org/people/kyles/sounds/454213/ Arctic by Sonically Sound is licensed under the Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 License. https://freesound.org/people/sonically_sound/sounds/612871/ Hand Be…

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Get Lit: Winter Holiday Edition 53:26

2 years ago53:26

53:26

Join us as we explore the winter holiday season. We hear from writers Kim Renay Anderson and Rev. Veronica Graves, listen to the ending of The Dead by James Joyce and ruminate over what it is that’s so important about these days. Is it just the food? Is it the religious aspects? Is it family? What is it? Credits The Lass of Aughrim. Traditional. Pe…

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All Things Local: Climate Change in the District 34:43

2 years ago34:43

34:43

In this episode Erin Garnaas-Holmes lead climate adaptation planner with the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment's Urban Sustainability Administration joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss climate change and the effects it will have on the District. Bus Stop by HoliznaCC0 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License. https://…

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Get Lit: Halloween Tales 40:21

2 years ago40:21

40:21

Get Lit with Halloween this year as we take a look at why people like scary stories, then hear an eerie story from local writer Margaret Roberts Drucker and listen to a poems from Adelaide Crapsey and Anne Boleyn. Credits Halloween Episode Horror Background Atmosphere For Suspenseful Moments by UNIVERSFIELD Is licensed under 4.0 DEED Attribution 4.…

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What the Tech: Extended Reality 44:52

2 years ago44:52

44:52

In our third episode of "What the Tech", we learn about Extended Reality (which includes Virtual and Augmented Reality) from local expert Joseph Cathey of Capitol Interactive. We discuss what it is, some examples of how it's being used locally for education and art, and where it might be going in the future.…

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Get Lit: Fall Folklore 32:47

2 years ago32:47

32:47

Credits: Ambience, Nightlife by Inspector J is licensed under the Attribution 4.0 License. https://freesound.org/people/InspectorJ/sounds/352514/ Blind Haitian singer on Place Boyer (Petillon Ville, Port au Prince) by Felix.Blumeis licensed under the Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 License. https://freesound.org/people/felix.blume/sounds/396104/ Buck…

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What The Tech: Chat GPT 19:36

2 years ago19:36

19:36

In our second episode of "What the Tech", we talk about Chat GPT, the Artificial Intelligence-powered chat service. We learn a bit about what it is, how to use it, what to use it for, and some of its pros and cons.By caleb bess, chelsea kirkland

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All Things Local: A Mixtape from Real World History 2022-2023 52:09

2 years ago52:09

52:09

In the Real World History program, DC high school students study the Great Migration by reading The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and conducting oral history interviews with people who came to the DC region as part of the Migration. Listen to a series of clips from the 2022-2023 cohort of Real World History curated by two of the student …

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What the Tech: Passwords 24:48

2 years ago24:48

24:48

In our first episode of “What the Tech”, we’re starting with the basics, passwords. They’re something that we all have to use and often forget, so we’ll get into why we have to use them, how to make good ones that you won’t forget, and what’s next in the world of passwords.By DC Public Library

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All Things Local: Discovering Nature in the DMV 44:23

2 years ago44:23

44:23

In this episode, host Olubunmi Bakare is joined by Ana Ka'ahanui and Stella Tarnay, founders of Capital Nature and Forest Health and Community Outreach Specialist, Kasey Yturralde of the DC Department of Transportation's Urban Forestry Division. They discuss exploring and learning about the natural environment in Washington, DC and the surrounding …

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All Things Local: Mary McLeod Bethune in Washington, DC 37:05

2 years ago37:05

37:05

In honor of Women's History Month, author, professional archivist and historian Dr Ida Jones joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss her work , Mary McLeod Bethune in Washington, DC : Activism and Education in Logan Circle. Jones also discusses her role as a part of the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation . ---------------------------------…

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DCPL Presents Sustainably Social: In Conversation With Carolyn Becker of Goodwill Greater Washington and DC Vegan Life 44:25

2 years ago44:25

44:25

**From 2018**On this episode of DCPL Presents, we sit down with Carolyn Becker, digital communications manager of Goodwill Greater Washington and founder of the popular Instagram account, DC Vegan Life. With a passion for sustainable living and tasty vegan treats, Caroyln explores how she uses social media to create community, promote sustainabilit…

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All Things Local: Remembering Dorothy Porter Wesley 33:21

2 years ago33:21

33:21

In this episode Janet Sims-Wood, author of Dorothy Porter Wesley at Howard University: Building a Legacy of Black History, joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss the life and legacy of Dorothy Porter Wesley. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chilling by …

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All Things Local: Preserving the BLM Memorial Fence 43:26

2 years ago43:26

43:26

In this episode Olubunmi Bakare is joined by by activists Nadine Seiler and Karen Irwin along with archivists Aliza Leventhal and Laura Farley to discuss their mission to preserve artifacts from the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in Washington, DC. Link to Black Lives Matter Memorial Fence Artifact Collection https://www.dclibrary.org/node/69429 …

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All Things Local: Adebayo Folarin is Mr Entertainment 35:41

2 years ago35:41

35:41

In this episode Olubunmi Bakare interviews Adebayo "De' De' " Folarin . De' De' is a comedian, DC Public Library Technician and vocalist for the Washington, DC based Go-Go band, Rare Essence. He discuses his life growing up in Washington, DC and how he became a multi-talented entertainer. ************************************************************…

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Preserving Native American Artifacts at MLK Library 51:57

3 years ago51:57

51:57

For Native American Heritage Month, we discuss the archaeological artifacts archived at the MLK Library with State Archaeologist Ruth Tricolli, Chief Jesse James Swann of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, and Armand Lione of the DC Native History Project. We reveal what these artifacts tell us about the Indigenous peoples who made a home and livelihood i…

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All Things Local: Go Go Live 50:08

3 years ago50:08

50:08

In celebration of DC Public Library's Go Go Preservation Week, we are revisiting a previously aired podcast. Host Olubunmi Bakare talks with author Natalie Hopkinson to discuss her book Go-Go Live. For more information, please visit https://www.dclibrary.org/gogoBy Natalie Hopkinson, Olubunmi Bakare

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All Things Local: The Till Trilogy 50:28

3 years ago50:28

50:28

On this episode of All Things Local, host Natalie Campbell is joined by playwright Ifa Bayeza and Mosaic Theater's artistic director Reginald Douglas to discuss The Till Trilogy, playing through November 20th at Mosaic Theater. DC Public Library's Adult Services Coordinator David Quick also joins the conversation talk about the Library's ongoing pa…

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All Things Local : Halloween Edition 46:44

3 years ago46:44

46:44

On this episode host Olubunmi Bakare interviews Supervisory Librarian of the Chevy Chase Library and paranormal investigator Tracy Myers. They discuss ghosts and paranormal activity. Both speakers share their experiences with paranormal activity.By olubunmi bakare, tracy myers

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9th & G: Una conversación un restaurantero en DC 1:06:32

3 years ago1:06:32

1:06:32

This podcast is in Spanish in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Rafael Ulloa, vicepresidente ejecutivo de contenido para El Tiempo Latino DC, entrevista a Luis Reyes, restaurantero, de Laurel Plaza para el mes de la Herencia Hispana.By DC Public Library

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9th & G: Una conversación con el fundador del Teatro Gala 1:06:32

3 years ago1:06:32

1:06:32

This podcast is in Spanish in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Rafael Ulloa, vicepresidente ejecutivo de contenido para El Tiempo Latino DC, entrevista a Hugo Medrano, fundador del Teatro Gala en Columbia Heights, Washington, DC para el mes de la Herencia Hispana.By DC Public Library

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All Things Local: From DC to Broadway 38:29

3 years ago38:29

38:29

On this episode, Washington, DC native, author, filmmaker, and performer Ronald "Smokey" Stevens sits down with host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss his life and work as a performer.By Ronald "Smokey" Stevens, Olubunmi Bakare

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Museums and the COVID-19 Pandemic 34:12

3 years ago34:12

34:12

Treasure by Ketsa was used in the introduction and ending of this episode. For more information visit the link below. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/mini-lp/treasure/By Amy Landau, Olubunmi Bakare

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All Things Local: Remembering Malcolm X: A Conversation with A. Peter Bailey Part 2 42:24

3 years ago42:24

42:24

*Original air date: November 6, 2018.* On this episode, A Peter Bailey joins host host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss the aftermath of Malcolm X's assassination, his career as a journalist working for Ebony and Jet magazines and in Black theatre. This is part two of their conversation.By A. Peter Bailey, Olubunmi Bakare

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All Things Local: Remembering Malcolm X : A Conversation with A.Peter Bailey Part 1 47:33

3 years ago47:33

47:33

*Original air date: September 24, 2018.* A. Peter Bailey is an author, journalist and playwright and lecturer. On this episode, he joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss his early life, personal relationship with Malcolm X and witnessing Malcolm X's assassination. This episode is part one of their conversation.…

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Get Lit: Newbery-centric DCPL Podcast 16:44

3 years ago16:44

16:44

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the John Newbery Medal, children's staff at the DC Public Library discuss their favorite books that have won the prize, one of the two most prestigious awards for children's literature in the United States.By Aryssa Damron

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All Things Creative: I Am More Than My Hair 42:04

3 years ago42:04

42:04

From 2019. On this episode, author, photographer and filmmaker Alyscia Cunningham joins DC Public Library's Olubunmi Bakare to discuss photography, filmmaking, and her current project I Am More Than My Hair: My Outward Appearance Does Not Define Me. In 2022 I Am More than My Hair was nominated as an official selection for the 30th Anniversary of th…

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Special: Celebrating National Library Week with Alysha Clark 34:11

3 years ago34:11

34:11

A discussion with Washington Mystics Player, Alysha Clark about her love for reading, National Library week, and her appreciation for library staff.By Alysha Clark, Tora Burns

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NINTH&G: A conversation with outgoing Urban Libraries Council President and CEO Susan Benton 49:33

3 years ago49:33

49:33

In this episode of NINTH & G, DC Public Library Adult Services Coordinator, David Quick speaks with an outgoing Urban Libraries Council President and CEO, Susan Benton and DC Public Library Executive Director, Richard Reyes-Gavilan.By Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Susan Benton, David Quick, Urban Libraries Council, DC Public Library

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All Things Local: Second Chances with Marcus Bullock 48:58

3 years ago48:58

48:58

At the age of 15, Marcus Bullock was sentenced to eight years in a maximum security prison. Today he is the CEO of Flikshop, a company he founded that helps keep families connected to their loved ones while they are incarcerated. Marcus sits down with host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss what led to his incarceration and his drive to become an entrepren…

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Access This: Slavery & Disability, A relationship that shapes disability in America today 57:54

3 years ago57:54

57:54

Deborah and Dr. Dea Boster discuss the themes from the historian's book African American Slavery and Disability: Bodies, Property and Power in the Antebellum South, 1800-1860By DC Public Library

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The People's Podchive 20:38

3 years ago20:38

20:38

Black Studies Collection at The People’s Archive Black Studies digital resources Buses are a comin' : memoir of a freedom rider by Charles Person, with Richard Rooker The Griots' cookbook : rare and well-done by Alice McGill, Mary Carter Smith & Elmira Washington Where is My Place? Experimental Arts Community Building and Re-Building in Washington,…

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All Things Local: African American Genealogy 41:03

3 years ago41:03

41:03

Linda Crichlow White, President of the DC Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), joins host Olubunmi Bakare to discuss the origin of AAHGS and shares tips for those who are beginning their genealogical research. ***This episode originally aired in February of 2020 on Full Service Radio.…

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All Things Local: Lamont Carey: From Prison to Poetry 47:25

3 years ago47:25

47:25

On this month's episode of All Things Local, guest Lamont Carey discusses his life growing up in Washington, being incarcerated as a juvenile and re-entering society as an adult. We also discuss his life's work. NOTE: This episode originally aired on February 20, 2018 on DCPL Radio in partnership with Full Service Radio.…

Labs At DC Public Library Podcasts