Patriotic Poem to Open Exeter Literary Festival, NH on April 4 2026

Boston poet Durane West will open the 7th annual Exeter Literary Festival with a reading of his commissioned poem, "America, it is to thee," in honor of the America 250 anniversary. The poem serves as a contemporary bridge to our shared history, offering a modern perspective on the nation’s 250-year journey.

The festival is delighted to welcome West to the main stage at the Exeter Town Hall (9 Center St, Exeter, NH). Running from noon to 5 p.m., the event features nearly a dozen authors and poets. A full schedule is available at ExeterLitFest.com.

West’s appearance marks a profound homecoming; he is a direct descendant of the renowned abolitionist poet James Monroe Whitfield, who published America and Other Poems in 1853. The title of West’s new work honors his ancestor’s legacy. Furthermore, West’s lineage traces back to Exeter’s earliest African-American residents, including Caesar Paul and, by marriage, Black Revolutionary War soldier Jude Hall.

BIO: Durane West, spoken word artist, and educator is born and raised in Boston. He channels intense imagery, and intuitive emotional exploration to showcase transparency in his writing. Through versatile form usage and raw introspective diction. West has several years of experience working in the non-profit sector for organizations that aim to improve literacy skills for inner city youth throughout Boston. West was nominated in 2022 and 2024 for Spoken Word Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards. His poem “617”, centering the experience of a black Boston resident, was featured and published for the City of Boston in 2021.

America 250 is the national celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone known as the Semiquincentennial. While the actual anniversary falls on July 4, 2026, activities and programs are already underway across the United States to honor the nation's history, founding principles, and future. Look for more America 250 events on the Town of Exeter 250 Calendar: exeternh.gov/250cc/exeter-250-event-calendar