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DC History Book Talk: No More Worlds to Conquer

The Black poet in Washington, D.C.

Join the People's Archive and DC History Center for a conversation that will trace the literary life, politics, and influence of DC’s Black poets to understand the history and culture of the city.

A talented community of Black writers have thrived in Washington, DC for over 100 years, nurturing a rich tradition of African American intellectualism and literature predating the Harlem Renaissance. In No More Worlds to Conquer, local poet Brian Gilmore shares this history, writes his own life story as a poet in DC, and makes the case for the nation’s capital as a center of American literature.

During this book talk, Gilmore, in conversation Holly Bass, will trace the literary life, politics, and influence of DC’s Black poets to understand the history and culture of the city. Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast, DC scholar, or interested in the city’s Black culture and history—this book talk is for you!

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
 
Born and raised in Washington DC, Brian Gilmore is the author of four celebrated collections of poetry including Come See About Me Marvin (Wayne State University Press), a Michigan Notable Book for 2020 and We Didn’t Know Any Gangsters (Cherry Castle Publishing LLC), a 2014 NAACP Image Award nominee and a 2015 Hurston-Wright Legacy Award nominee. His latest book, No More Worlds To Conquer: The Black Poet in Washington, DC (Georgetown University Press, 2026) is a cultural history of the African American poetry scene in Washington DC since the time of Paul Laurence Dunbar. A literary and legal scholar and public interest lawyer, he served as Clinical Law Professor for 16 years, practiced public interest law for 25 years, and is now Senior Lecturer in the Law and Society Program at the University of Maryland – College Park.

Holly Bass is a multidisciplinary performance artist, choreographer, and writer whose work explores themes of American history, generational labor, and liberation. Her mediums include dance, theater, poetry, photography, installation, video and performance. Her work is in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. She is the 2025-2026 Roman J. Witt Visiting Artist at the University of Michigan. Bass studied modern dance under Viola Farber and creative writing at Sarah Lawrence College before earning her MA in Journalism from Columbia University.

ABOUT THE PARTNERS

Founded in 1894, the DC History Center deepens understanding of our city’s past to connect, empower, and inspire. As the only community-based nonprofit focused on the District’s history, our vision is to engage with neighborhoods across DC and elevate the stories of Washington’s diverse people, communities, and institutions. The DC History Center’s collection is focused on local DC as opposed to federal Washington but encompasses the city limits and areas that have a direct relationship to individuals, locations, and events within the District, including historical connections with Maryland and Virginia. We are the caretakers of these materials, donated by families, organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, and other communities that comprise Washington, DC.

The People’s Archive at DC Public Library is home to the dynamic collections that preserve and share the stories, histories, and voices of Washington, D.C.’s diverse communities, as well as the Black experience in the Unites States. It features materials—such as photographs, oral histories, documents, and more—that highlight the vibrant local, national and international history of DMV residents, grassroots movements, and cultural milestones, making it a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in learning more about the city’s past and present.

REGISTRATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Registration is free, and walk-ins are welcome.
Seating is first come, first served.
All books must be purchased through registration.
To request a reasonable accommodation for this program, please contact DCPLaccess@dc.gov or call (202) 727-2142.
We are committed to making events accessible for all participants.

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