Know Your Power

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Art is a powerful tool to share social messages and inspire change. Visual artists like Shepard Fairey, musicians like Beyonce and authors like Mira Jacob have used their creative voices to speak truth to power and raise awareness of the important issues facing us today. Pepco, the DC Public Library Foundation and DC Public Library invite you to find your power and use it to creatively address a topic that is important to you. What change would you like to see in the world?  We are calling on youth between the ages of 13 - 19 to use their creative voice to make a difference. 

We are excited to share the results of the 2023 Know Your Power contest.

"Sink" Illustration by Skye Jones, 2022 visual art winner

Submissions for Know Your Power 2024 open May 28, 2024.

Black Shield Maiden with Willow Smith

Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

The MLK Library is thrilled to host singer, songwriter, and activist Willow Smith on her debut book, Black Shield Maiden in partnership with MahoganyBooks. A riveting science fiction fantasy novel steeped in African roots and Viking lore, Black Shield Maiden by Willow Smith and Jess Hendel is a powerful and groundbreaking historical saga about an African warrior in the war of Vikings. We are looking forward to you joining us for this powerful conversation. 

Children of Anguish and Anarchy with Tomi Adeyemi

Wednesday, June 26, 7 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

DC Public Library is excited to host #1 New York Times bestselling author, Tomi Ademeyi, for her book Children of Anguish & Anarchy, the highly anticipated and final book in the trilogy. One of the most exciting books of the summer, and we're hosting the author, right here in DC at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library downtown. Grab your teens & come out for a thrilling evening!

Know Your Power Residency with Imagination Stage

Thursdays at 4 p.m., Lamond Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library

Unleash your creative talents in this workshop series with Imagination Stage. By the end of the program series, teens will have created an original work of art, writing, or music based on an issue they are passionate about that they can submit to the Know Your Power civic engagement arts contest. Teaching artists from Imagination Stage will help teens brainstorm ideas through a variety of creative exercises and explore different types of genres. At the last session, youth will showcase their work in a celebratory public event at the library.

Know Your Power with Project Create

Multiple Dates, Multiple Locations

Are you looking for a space to get your creative juices flowing? Come join a workshop to learn from brilliant teaching artists as they share their expertise in a variety of artistic disciplines as you practice your creative skills and bring your beautiful ideas to life! 

Youth Poet Laureate Tour

Multiple Dates, Multiple Locations

Teens are invited to hear spoken word poetry performed by one of the DMV’s Youth Poet Laureates, then write poetry of their own in a free workshop. 

See All Upcoming Know Your Power Events