Virtual book club explores America’s 250th anniversary through activist poetry series

An activist‑run indie press will host a five‑week virtual book club this summer to explore America’s 250 years through poetry.

The series centers on Manifest Destiny, a forthcoming collection by Nigerian‑American poet Pelumi Olatinpo, whose work examines race, identity, colonialism and American history.

The discussions run Wednesdays from July 8 to August 5, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Sessions will take place on Zoom.

Organizers say the program invites activists, educators and readers to reflect on the nation’s past as America approaches its Semiquincentennial in 2026.

A Guiding Question for the First Session

The opening session will center on one question:

Can America celebrate 250 years of freedom when freedom has never been equal for everyone?

Participants will examine poems that address justice, inequality, national mythmaking and the gap between ideals and lived reality. The book blends African oral tradition, constitutional language and global history.

Why the Series Matters

The book club arrives as communities prepare for America’s 250th anniversary. Organizers say the milestone offers a chance to reflect on the nation’s story and its future.

Olatinpo’s poetry explores race, immigration, colonialism and belonging. His work introduces the “soneta,” a six‑line form with ten words per line. He draws on Nigerian Pidgin, biblical cadence and constitutional language to examine American identity.

Participants Can Expect

• Weekly guided discussions — Each session explores a new section of the book.
• Contextual reading notes — Organizers provide background information and key themes.
• Creative reflection prompts — Optional exercises help readers process each poem.
• Community agreements — Guidelines encourage respectful and meaningful dialogue.

Organizers emphasize that no prior poetry experience is required. Registered participants will receive Zoom links before each session.

Topics for Weekly Discussion

• Race and systemic inequality
• Historical memory and accountability
• Citizenship and belonging
• Freedom, equity and justice
• Poetry as political reflection

Participants will also complete “The Missing Footnote,” a reflection activity that asks readers to consider which stories and struggles should be remembered in America’s national narrative.

How to Join

The series runs Wednesdays, July 8 – August 5, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Registration is available through the event form here.

Readers can join the Facebook community for updates and discussion.

As America approaches its 250th year, organizers say the series offers a space to reflect on where the nation has been, where it stands and where it hopes to go.