You get to plan a dinner party for 4-8 of your favorite writers/artists/musicians/other notable figures, whether dead or alive. Who do you seat next to whom in order to inspire the most fun evening?

I’d seat these Black Literary, Harlem Renaissance, Educators, Social, Political and Cultural Leaders in a semi-circle horseshoe fashion. That way they would be able to see, hear, discuss and listen to each other’s outlook on the state of the African diaspora in general and the state of Black America specifically.

I’d make liberal use of today’s innovative technology enabling this discussion to be broadcast worldwide.

Given their diverse lifestyles, experiences, and viewpoints we would be like sponges absorbing wisdom, knowledge and understanding I know the resulting dialogue and debate would be scintillating!

Zora Neale Hurston

Frantz Fanon

Langston Hughes

W. E. B. Du Bois

Booker T. Washington

Marcus Garvey

Mary McLeod Bethune