Guild Literary Complex

Guild Literary Complex Programming that highlights the intersections of marginality, the power of community, and the impact of arts and activism

Join us as we reflect on the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.đź“Ś Monday June 29th / 6:30 pmđź“Ť Pilsen Community Boo...
06/15/2026

Join us as we reflect on the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

đź“Ś Monday June 29th / 6:30 pm
đź“Ť Pilsen Community Books / 1531 W. 18th St.

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court officially overturned Roe v. Wade in the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. By a 6–3 vote, the Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not provide a right to abortion, ending nearly 50 years of federal protections and returning the authority to regulate the procedure to individual states.

In partnership with Hypertext Magazine, the Guild Literary Complex will host a reading observing the anniversary of this historic loss of reproductive rights and reflecting on its lasting impact.

Featuring Della Leavitt, author of Vivian’s Decision, and contributors from The Overturning Anthology

✨Pride Month spotlight✨MEET JOSS BARTON: Joss Barton is a writer, journalist, and spoken word performance artist explori...
06/11/2026

✨Pride Month spotlight✨

MEET JOSS BARTON: Joss Barton is a writer, journalist, and spoken word performance artist exploring and documenting q***r and trans* life, love, and liberation. Her work blends femme-fever dreams over the soundtrack of the American nightmare. Combining prose poetry, non-fiction confessional essays, drag artistry, and spoken word stage performances, Joss examines the myriad states of q***r trans womanhoods from historical, political, and pop cultural identities of death, desires, dreams, and disco.

She currently curates Transvengence: A Transgender Performance Showcase in Chicago, and her first book of poems Goodbye To A Dream Believed! Is forthcoming from FuturePoem Press in 2026.

Check out her page Joss Barton for her latest zine and audio release, WAGONS 2 🪩

TRANSVENGENCE returns this Sunday - link in bio!

Meet the newest faces at the Guild Literary Complex! ‼️🚨
06/05/2026

Meet the newest faces at the Guild Literary Complex! ‼️🚨

🏆 Fuller Award: Ed RobersonThursday, June 18, 2026 | 6 p.m.📍The Poetry Foundation61 W. Superior Street | Chicago, IL 606...
06/05/2026

🏆 Fuller Award: Ed Roberson
Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 6 p.m.

đź“ŤThe Poetry Foundation
61 W. Superior Street | Chicago, IL 60654

Artwork by Faisal Mohyuddin.

Poet Ed Roberson will receive the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s Fuller Award for his lifetime achievements as a writer. He will be the 19th Chicago author given the CLHOF’s highest honor, at a ceremony at and in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. Speakers, including CM Burroughs, Peter O’Leary, Saretta Morgan, julie patton, Lena Roberson, and Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young, will give context to Roberson’s signifant contributions here and around the country.

Join us for the special ceremony ➡️ Link in bio.

❗️Join us for BrooksDay at the American Writers Festival, in partnership with Brooks Permissions.The Guild Literary Comp...
05/29/2026

❗️Join us for BrooksDay at the American Writers Festival, in partnership with Brooks Permissions.

The Guild Literary Complex’s annual celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks is held every year on her birthday, June 7th. BrooksDay honors her legacy as an artist and an iconic figure of generosity and civic conscience in Chicago and the nation.

Sunday, June 7th / 3:30PM
đź“Ť Harold Washington Library Center
400 South State Street
Third Floor Stage

đź”— in our bio for more information.

🔥2 weeks away! .mag is having another Show & Tell at in Avondale/Logan Square!Come by and SHOW a keepsake that’s dear t...
05/17/2026

🔥2 weeks away! .mag is having another Show & Tell at in Avondale/Logan Square!

Come by and SHOW a keepsake that’s dear to you, a favorite bit of junk, or a cute knick knack. TELL a story about your artifact and its meaning, a new poem, or some speculative fiction you’ve been working on.

The evening will begin with an open mic and archiving session, followed by a presentation from a past (and/or future) contributor.

Attendees are encouraged to bring ephemera and memorabilia that they would like scanned/archived for inclusion in the magazine’s upcoming issue.

🔗 RSVP ➡️ link in our bio.

🔥Check out keyboard player David Blair II at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TONIGHT!Thursday, May 1...
05/14/2026

🔥Check out keyboard player David Blair II at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TONIGHT!

Thursday, May 14th at 7PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts
đź“Ť201 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

đź”—Register: guildcomplex.org/event/musicality-of-poetry

DAVID BLAIR II is a singer, songwriter, and musician, creating thought-provoking, “celestial soul.” Inspired by Frank Ocean, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, his music blends soulful storytelling, alternative R&B, and gospel influence into a sound that is both intimate and uplifting. He has shared stages with artists including Jamila Woods, Mannaseh, and Michael Damani. David’s artistry is deeply rooted in faith, honesty, and emotional connection.

🔥Check out guitarist Marcus Darling at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TOMORROW!Thursday, May 14th a...
05/13/2026

🔥Check out guitarist Marcus Darling at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TOMORROW!

Thursday, May 14th at 7PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts
đź“Ť201 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

đź”—RSVP: guildcomplex.org/event/musicality-of-poetry

MARCUS DARLING (b. 1989) is a genre-defying, multi-hyphenated soulfully relentless artist who fuses revolutionary rock with a DIY lofi aesthetic. Their sound—a self-described “black-folk music”—blends electronic soul, R&B, psychedelic rock, jazz, and folk into something both intimate and expansive; R&Beyond. Known for their collaborations with Manesseh and ABOLISHVICTORY!, a band with a politically charged style, Marcus Darling captivates audiences with what they call “mystical and empathetic presence.” Their music balances nostalgic grooves with modern experimentation, creating a quirky, cerebral sound that resonates deeply.

🔥Check out percussionist Hasani Cannon at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TOMORROW!Thursday, May 14t...
05/13/2026

🔥Check out percussionist Hasani Cannon at our Musicality of Poetry: Nikki Patin special event TOMORROW!

Thursday, May 14th at 7PM
Epiphany Center for the Arts
đź“Ť201 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

đź”—RSVP: guildcomplex.org/event/musicality-of-poetry

HASANI CANNON was born and raised in Oak Park IL, and has been developing his artist skills since the tender age of 5. In 2022, he received his BFA in visual arts at University of Illinois in Springfield and is currently based in Oak Park IL. During his highschool career, Hasani was a finalist in Congressman Danny Davis Art Competition, he was a featured Artist for the OPRFHS Art Gallery and he worked each summer since sophomore year with the Oak Park Arts Council Off The Wall project, even contributing to the Black Lives Matter mural in the summer of 2020. He had his first solo show in 2021 at Forest Park National Bank and took part in the Biennial Terrain show of 2021 along with several shows in the UIS Access gallery and in Chicago.

He is generally interested in the African diaspora, especially in the visual iconography and its evolution over time. His preferred medium is mixed media which includes the use of colored pencil, permanent marker, recyclable materials, and fabric.

Hasani is also a musician and a dancer being a drummer for Chicago based dance company Najwa Dance Corp along with drumming in Chicago band Family Junket. He is also a member of the Studiofreelove art collective since 2023. During his undergraduate college career, he was heavily involved and a student leader of the Art Student League, Afrobeat Dance Crew, and African Student Association. You can follow his instagram to follow his artistic endeavors.

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