Rent parties began in Harlem in the 1920s when cash-strapped Uptown residents devised creative ways to pay discriminatory rental rates on low salaries. Party hosts opened their homes, and in exchange for a small cover charge, prepared food and provided live entertainment. Together, party goers defeated eviction while eating, drinking, dancing and socializing for much less than what they’d pay for a night on the town. Everybody won! Cave Canem’s Rent Parties revive the Harlem-style rent party with poetry at the core!
Purchase Tickets: www.cavecanempoets.org/donation_form
Find out more about Cave Canem here.