By Debbie Allen and Patricia Thrushart, Cofounders, Poets Against Racism USA
Poets Against Racism USA grew from an international online poetry collaboration that occurred in May 2021. Two literary communities—The Watershed Journal Literary Group, based in Brookville, Pennsylvania, and Poets Against Racism, based in Nottingham, United Kingdom—convened to present “Poets Against Racism: In This Together” on the anniversary of George Floyd’s death. The recording of the event on various platforms has garnered hundreds of views, signifying strong interest in the concept of using poetry to confront racism, bigotry, and hate. After the event, we wondered how we might capitalize on the momentum it generated. With the backing of Manjit Sahota, cofounder of PAR in the UK, we formed PAR USA.
In our first month, we have realized more than 300 pageviews on our website, presented multiple Featured Poems and received responses from people affected by those poems, welcomed dozens of members and subscribers, and hosted our first event. As with any grassroots initiative, by necessity we are starting small. But the potential of PAR USA is immense. We believe that poetry is power. That a poem can change a mind. That even if a poem alters just one person’s perspective just a bit, change has happened. Change that matters.
We are committed to effecting such change by discussing social justice issues and other relevant topics in this blog, publishing impactful works on our Featured Poem page, and presenting live and virtual readings and discussions of social justice poetry. To fulfill the potential of PAR USA, we are relying on others to make commitments as well. If you’re invested in challenging intolerance and hate, subscribe to our website. If you’re a poet who writes about social justice issues, become a PAR USA member. If you’re already a member, submit your work for Featured Poem consideration. If you’re anyone with an idea for the future of PAR USA, send an email to poetsagainstracism.usa@gmail.com. Together, we can make change through the power of poetry!