New Voices of the Bengali Diaspora: Poetry Reading and Discussion

Join the New York Public Library for a celebration of Poetry and the Bengali Diaspora in New York City! 

This panel will be bringing together contemporary poets of the Bengali diaspora: Ashna Ali and Amatan Noor. These writers will read excerpts of their work, followed by a conversation about identity and the intersectionality of language, beauty, gender, queerness, and translation in diaspora poetry. The discussion will be moderated by Jafreen Uddin, Executive Director of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop.

Plus, pick up a free copy of The Relativity of Living Well by Ashna Ali! Giveaway books will be available while supplies last. All giveaways are first come, first served and limited to one per person. 

The discussion will be preceded by a short poetry reading from each author. This event is presented in partnership with Asian American Writers’ Workshop.

To join in person | Please be sure to register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins.

For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. If you register for multiple tickets, please provide the name of each person who will be attending the event or arrive with your entire party present. Only registered patrons will be granted entry into the event space. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

To join online | On the day of the event, registrants will receive a Zoom link to join the program. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register!

The online event will be streamed on Zoom. You must register with your email address in order to receive the link to participate. Please check your email shortly before the event to receive the link. Captions for this event will be provided.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The New York Public Library’s World Literature & Arts Festival (April 14–30, 2025) brings together trailblazers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to celebrate storytelling and spotlight NYC’s vibrant communities. Join us for free events, programs, book recommendations, and resources for all ages.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS 

Ashna Ali is a queer and disabled diasporic Bangladeshi-American poet based in Brooklyn, NY. They are the author of The Relativity of Living Well (Bone Bouquet, 2024) and the Substack, PAIN BABY. They hold a PhD in Comparative Literature from The Graduate Center, City University of New York, and are an MFA Candidate in the Low-Residency Creative Writing Program at Randolph College. A Best-of-the-Net nominated poet, they serve as the Poetry Editor for Epiphany Magazine and are the co-host of the poetry podcast miniseries, The Source with Divya Victor. Borrow The Relativity of Living Well  from NYPL. 

Amatan Noor is a Bangladeshi writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Born in Dhaka, she spent her adolescence in southern New Jersey. Her poetry appears or is forthcoming in Split This Rock, Diode Poetry Journal, DIALOGIST, Thimble, No, Dear and elsewhere. Amatan’s work has been nominated for a Pushcart prize and the Best of the Net anthology. She is a Tin House alumna. Amatan’s work has been supported by the Poetry Society of New York and Brooklyn Poets. She is the author of Not Guilty, her debut chapbook (2023, Finishing Line Press). Borrow Not Guilty from NYPL.

Jafreen Uddin is Executive Director of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, a national literary nonprofit dedicated to amplifying Asian and Asian diasporic storytelling. She is the first woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1991. She previously served as Deputy Director of Development for Special Events at PEN America and as Events Manager with the Brennan Center for Justice. Jafreen regularly supports and volunteers her time with a number of arts and social change organizations, including serving on the Literary Council for the Brooklyn Book Festival.

ABOUT THE ASIAN AMERICAN WRITERS' WORKSHOP

The AAWW is a national non-profit organization dedicated to publishing, incubating, and amplifying Asian and Asian diasporic storytelling and artistry. Since our founding in 1991, we have worked to create a unique literary space that operates at the intersection of art and social justice.

BOOKS AND MORE

If you have a NYPL library card, you can borrow books related this event with our e-reader app SimplyE, available for iOS and Android devices.

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person

• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Online

• Live captioning will be provided.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.

CONNECT

For general questions, please email adultprogramming@nypl.org.

Please submit all press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org.