Roscoe Burnems, Richmond Poet Laureate

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems, the first Richmond Poet Laureate. I'm also an educator and father of three. I was born in Southside and grew up in North Henrico.

From sun up to sun down, what’s your ideal day in RVA?
Grabbing a coffee and some food from Urban Hang Suite, taking a walk through a park and then checking out 2nd Street Festival, and then hitting one Richmond’s many open mics or poetry slams..

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What would you say is Richmond’s best-kept secret?
Richmond's best kept secret is The Writer's Den Poetry Slam. It is Richmond’s nationally recognized competing poetry slam team that is ranked 3rd in the country. The spoken-word competition happens every first Sunday at Addis Ethiopian Restaurant.

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BLK RVA is all about supporting the thriving Black businesses and culture in the Richmond region and encouraging tourists to do the same. What’s one thing every visitor MUST do/see when they come to our region.
You gotta check out the Mending Walls murals throughout the city. Hamilton Glass and many other artists of color put up thought provoking murals centered around social justice and unity in the city. One of the murals honors a Richmond legend, artist, and activist, and the creator of the longest running open mic in Richmond, Lorna Pinckney. She created Tuesday Verses, a staple event in the community and one of the most popular spots for live entertainment. Tuesday Verses is a must see.

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Where are you from originally?
I was born in Southside, off Warwick Rd, but grew up in North Henrico.

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What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re staying close to home in RVA?
My favorite things to do in Richmond is either going to a local live music spot in Henrico called Open All That Soul. It's a monthly live music and poetry showcase at Jackie's Restaurant in East End, taking my kids to a museum or to play at Launch Trampoline Park in Chesterfield.

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When we say the name BLK RVA, what does that mean to you?
It means culture, community, creativity and support for us. BLK RVA means making sure that we take responsibility for ourselves and insure that we are thriving. We all we got.

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Describe Richmond in 3 words. Resilient, Vibrant, Artistic

InterviewsRyano GraphicsMarch 21, 2023culture, arts, poetryComment

Roscoe Burnems, Richmond Poet Laureate

Tell us a little about yourself.I am Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems, the first Richmond Poet Laureate. I'm also an educator and father of three. I was born in Southside and grew up in North Henrico.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems, the first Richmond Poet Laureate. I'm also an educator and father of three. I was born in Southside and grew up in North Henrico.