3rd Saturday Poetry in Chinatown

Open mic before and after the featured poets. Sign up at 1 pm.

Charles Curtis Blackwell is a blind African American poet, painter, playwright, and teacher whose work celebrates resilience, music, and cultural heritage.
Born in San Francisco, he grew up in California and Mississippi, where gospel and blues shaped his artistic voice. After losing his eyesight at age 20, he continued creating vivid impressionistic portraits and abstract works inspired by jazz. His art has been featured in the New York Times and PBS, and exhibited nationwide.
His literary and poetic works often explore themes of social justice, African American experience, and human resilience, with several books published, including The Fiery Responses to Love’s Callings, Wrought, If a Pigeon Can’t Fly, and Blind Alley Cats Dream Jazz. He’s also the subject of the award-winning documentary The God Given Talent1

James R Johnson
JJ Rush
Russell John’s
Frisco Kid

are monikers used by one of the day’s features. As an artist, nutrition consultant, teacher, poet, author of 3 books and several chapbooks, he offers best wishes to you, and without further ado, let this San Francisco legend speak: Russell John’s

Parking tip:
$6 all-day parking at St. Mary’s Square Garage.