“We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.” The late author Toni Morrison (pictured) spoke these words while accepting a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Described by O magazine as “a beacon in African American culture,” the writer made her mark with novels such as the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1987 novel Beloved and 1977’s Song of Solomon. Vermont poet Toussaint St. Negritude honors Morrison, who died on August 5 at age 88, with the We Do Language Symposium, a week of poetry, music, workshops and discussions. Participating local voices include St. Negritude, University of Vermont professor Major Jackson, published poet Reuben Jackson and Afro-jazz musical artist KeruBo.

Price: Donations.