This year (2025) is the 40th Anniversary of the Printers Row Lit Fest. On the Center Stage, located between Polk and Harrison Streets, the Perennial Theatre Chicago presented Bread and Salt, a compilation of short stories, poetry, and music by Carl Sandburg, set against the backdrop of early 20th-Century Chicago. Adapted by Charles Gerace and directed by Robert Brueler, the work featured characters voiced by Gerald Bailey, John Green, Molly Burns, Brigid Duffy, Suzanne Petri and Alma Washington. 

The festival brought back happy memories. Years ago, I attended annually. A friend of mine, Franklin Rosemont, writer and historian with the Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company, as always, had a table. One of the books on the table was titled Lucy Parsons: Freedom Equality and Solidarity which included selected writings by Lucy Parsons. Franklin was a contributor and dedicated the book to me. When I opened it and saw my picture with the words he had written, I was very moved. What an honor. 

The Printers Row Lit Fest was very successful. The audience enjoyed the Bread and Salt performance. Many expressed that the event was among the best Lit Fests in memory. I just wish my friend Franklin could have been there; he would have loved it.