Upcoming Events
Check back for information about PARH USA’s upcoming events!
Past Events
December 7, 2024
Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour Capstone Celebration
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA and Ohio Poetry Association partnered with Ohio History Connection to present the Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour Capstone Celebration. As the tour’s culminating event, the Capstone Celebration drew on the unifying spirit behind the Underground Railroad and our whistle-stop poetry tour events to inspire progress on social justice issues that persist today, reflecting the concept encapsulated by our slogan “poetry moves us beyond.” The Capstone Celebration featured readings and performances by poets William John Booth Jr., Lynette Ford, Huntorprey, Sidney Jones Jr., Kellie N. Kirksey, MoPoetry Phillips, and Norman Riggs Jr.; dance and musical performances by Brother(hood) Dance! and Urban Strings; a documentary film on the life of Joshua McCarter Simpson by Capital University students Aaliyah Bolden, Johansel Figueroa, Jaydn Grant, Isabelle Hanning, Rhema Johnson, Albert Kargbo, Beverly Kinateder, Jonathan Pinkerton, Ella Riedlinger, Chelsea Steinmetz, Jesse Stevens, Stephen Taylor, and Wesley Triplett; exhibitor tables; and discussion by panelists Dr. Andy Carlson, Sabrina Evans-Renkar, Dr. Andrew Feight, and Dr. Ted McDaniel. The power of the event was felt by all who attended!
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour Capstone Celebration was funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission and made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council. Learn more at America250-Ohio.org and oac.ohio.gov.
Throughout 2024
Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA and the Ohio Poetry Association collaborated throughout 2024 to present the Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour. This series of readings occurred around the state and featured poems meant to honor Ohio’s role in the Underground Railroad and raise awareness of issues of social injustice, hate, and prejudice that persist today. We’re grateful to all the poets, other artists, community partners, host sites, docents, historians, and presenters involved in the events and to the donors and funders who supported it. We also extend thanks to graphic artist Lisa Van Doren, who assisted in designing many of the materials used during the tour.
October 4, 2024
Social Justice Poetry Reading, Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum, Glassboro, New Jersey
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA’s first member-led event was organized and presented by Carol Smith at Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum in Glassboro, New Jersey. The event featured readings by seven regional poets, including students from Rowan University’s Poetic Justice club, followed by an open mic session. Many thanks to Carol and Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum for their assistance in helping us use the power of poetry to confront racism, bigotry, and hate.
September 19, 2024
Poetry Reading, Butler Public Library, Butler, Pennsylvania
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA was joined by three local poets at the Butler Area Public Library in Butler, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 2024. Michael Dittman, a professor of English and Creative Writing who lives and writes in the area, co-hosted the reading, which included inspiring work by Dawn Shields, E.L. Dan, and Jeffrey Schrader. Many thanks to the library for their enthusiastic sponsorship of this event and to our poets for sharing their work.
July 25, 2024
Poetry Reading, Franklin Public Library, Franklin, Pennsylvania
Members from the northwestern Pennsylvania region gave an inspiring reading of social justice poetry at the Franklin Public Library. Poets included Taylor Hobby, Dawn Shields, and Barbara Rumore. Thank you to our poets for showing up and speaking up!
June 22, 2024
Poetry Reading at Venango Pride Festival, Oil City, Pennsylvania
Members of PARH USA used the power of poetry to support the LGBTQ+ community during Venango Pride in the Park in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Our reading followed a fun limbo competition and featured poetry by member E. L. Dan from her book Let the Water Run Clear, works by Patricia Thrushart, and a phenomenal reading by member Taylor Hobby.
June 19, 2024
Uniting in Poetry & Song: A Juneteenth Celebration, Butler, Pennsylvania
PARH USA joined with the Butler Clergy Network Anti-Racist Focus Group to present this Juneteenth event filled with poetry and song.
May 25, 2024
In This Together 2024—VIDEO AVAILABLE!
Taking place on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the virtual event In This Together 2024 featured PARH USA member poets presenting works addressing the theme of systemic racism in the United States. As part of this theme, topics such as race-based police brutality, systemic racism in U.S. institutions, progress made and lack of progress made since George Floyd’s death, allyship and solidarity, and actions that can lead to change were explored. For participant biographies and resources for learning about combating racism and hate, visit our In This Together 2024 event page. Watch the event recording on the PARH USA YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/lmMBioQPPuA?si=Q25n9Z9KCKDhozxX.
December 12, 2023
Mingle with the Flamingos Virtual Reading
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA joined the Flamingo Writers Guild for Mingle with the Flamingos! The Flamingo Writers Guild literary group is dedicated to connecting, promoting, and educating writers. Mingle with the Flamingos is the guild’s virtual monthly reading series, which features guest readers followed by a casual open mic. Members Debbie Allen, Patricia Thrushart, and Sandra Rivers-Gill each read from their work, followed by an open mic that included several PARH USA members. Many commented in the chat that the event was impactful and the readings powerful.
October 4, 2023
Ohio Nonviolence Week “Speak Your Peace” Spoken Word Event, Hopewell Theater, Youngstown, Ohio
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA joined the Ohio Nonviolence Week Committee, the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, and Hopewell Theatre in presenting Speak Your Peace as part of Ohio’s 13th annual Nonviolence Week. During this event for students in grades 6-12, PARH USA members Quartez Harris and Elijah Elliott performed their work, demonstrating poetry’s power as nonviolent resistance against injustice. Students organized in small groups collaborated to produce their own poems, assisted by Quartez, Elijah, PARH USA cofounder Debbie Allen, and other poets present. PARH USA cofounder Patricia Thrushart donated copies of her book Inspired by Their Voices to the participants.
September 21, 2023
Community Conversations: Exploring Social Justice Through Poetry, Franklin Public Library, Franklin, Pennsylvania
September 10, 2023
Community Fair, Workshop, & Poetry Reading, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio—VIDEO AVAILABLE!
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA and Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) joined the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s celebration of International Underground Railroad Month! PARH USA and OPA participated in a community fair, conducted social justice poetry workshops, and staged a powerful poetry reading featuring Cincinnati poets. A video montage from the reading is available on the PARH USA YouTube channel here. Admission to the award-winning museum was free thanks to Fifth Third Bank’s Community Days program. The event was the first in a series planned to celebrate the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio. Watch for more information about our plans in 2024 for poetry readings at Underground Railroad sites across the state.
August 25, 2023
PARH USA on Ohio Poetry Association’s Poetry Spotlight Podcast—EPISODE AVAILABLE!
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA cofounders Debbie Allen and Patricia Thrushart were featured on Ohio Poetry Association’s Poetry Spotlight podcast. The episode offers an opportunity for listeners to learn about the origins of and philosophies behind PARH USA. Find links for listening to the podcast on the OPA website here. Select whichever platform you prefer and then go to Season 3 Episode 14. We hope you’ll listen!
July 13, 2023
Community Conversations: Patricia Thrushart on Writing Social Justice Poetry, Franklin Public Library, Franklin, Pennsylvania
May 25, 2023
In This Together 2023—VIDEO AVAILABLE!
Taking place on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the virtual event Poets Against Racism: In This Together 2023 was an expression of solidarity against racism, bigotry, and hate. The event featured Dr. Michelle Early Torregano as our invited speaker and four poets representing PARH USA and PAR UK—Abíódún Abdul, Dee Allen., Maureen P. Medina, and Robert Punton. The poetry was followed by a panel discussion with PARH USA cofounder Patricia Thrushart, Dr. Torregano, and PAR UK cofounder Manjit Sahota. You can watch the event recording on the PARH USA YouTube channel here. For participant biographies and resources for serving as an ally and learning about and combating racism, visit our In This Together 2023 event page.
April 30, 2023
Patricia Thrushart Reading, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
For more information about the Freedom Center and this reading series, visit the Freedom Center website.
April 4, 2023
Butler Area Public Library and Poets Against Racism & Hate USA: Poetry Reading
PARH USA and Butler Area Public Library presented a poetry reading on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, April 4, 2023. The reading featured member poets Patricia Thrushart, Debbie Allen (who read Sandra Rivers-Gill’s poem “Unwavering”), Brady Buchanan, Elijah Elliott, and Tabby Shah. In addition, PARH welcomed local guest poets Michael Dittman, E.L. Dan, and Jeffrey Schrader. During the open mic that followed, member Phil Terman read, as did other members of the audience. Poets Against Racism & Hate USA expresses our gratitude to the library for hosting this reading. Thank you for supporting our mission to confront racism, bigotry, and hate through the power of poetry.
January 21, 2023
Franklin Public Library, Bridge Literary Arts Center, and Poets Against Racism USA: Poetry Reading
Poets Against Racism USA, The Bridge Literary Arts Center, and the Franklin Public Library came together in historic Franklin, Pennsylvania, to present a live, in-person poetry reading. Eight poets, members of either PAR USA or Bridge (or both), read for an audience of about 40 people. Featured poets included PAR USA cofounders Patricia Thrushart and Debbie Allen, Bridge director and poet Dr. Phil Terman, and Brady Buchanan, Juanita Smart, Wayne Swanger, Girard Tournesol, and Barb Rumore.
December 10, 2022
Common Goods Studio and Poets Against Racism USA: Poetry Reading—VIDEO AVAILABLE!
The wonderful Common Goods Studio hosted a powerful Poets Against Racism USA reading in Youngstown, Ohio. The social injustices of racism, bigotry, intolerance, and hate were addressed by an inspiring group of poets that included PAR USA members John Burroughs (US Beat Poet Laureate), Quartez Harris, Marissa Snyder, Wayne Swanger, and Patricia Thrushart. Other northern Ohio poets performed as well. The event was cohosted by Quartez Harris and Debbie Allen. Lit Youngstown was well-represented in the audience. You can watch a compilation video from the event on the PARH USA YouTube channel, here.
October 24, 2022
Oil City Library and Poets Against Racism USA: Poetry Reading
Poets Against Racism USA and the Oil City Library in Oil City, Pennsylvania, welcomed poets from eastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania for a poetry reading focused on social justice issues. We heard readings from Debbie Allen, Wayne Swanger, Girard Tournesol, Tabby Shah, and Patricia Thrushart. Poets from the audience added their voices during the open mic. Many thanks to Oil Region Library Association’s Nicole Cubbon and the library for their hospitality and thanks to the local Together We Can organization for showing up in force!
June 3, 2022
Poets Against Racism Comes Home to Brum
Stand Up to Racism Birmingham and Poets Against Racism in the UK presented a night of fun and protest against racism and bigotry. Hosted by PAR UK cofounders Manjit Sahota and Robert Punton, this hybrid event took place in Birmingham, UK, and online. PAR USA member Sandra Gill joined the event virtually and read beautifully.
May 25, 2022
In This Together 2022—VIDEO AVAILABLE!
Poets Against Racism USA, Poets Against Racism in the UK, and The Watershed Journal Literary Group presented In This Together 2022 virtually on the second anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. Poetry and discussion formed the foundation for this evening of solidarity against racism, bigotry, and hate. For participant biographies and a list of allyship resources, visit our In This Together 2022 event page. To access the 90-minute video on our YouTube Channel, click here: Poets Against Racism: In This Together 2022.
May 12, 2022
Poets Against Racism Goes Global
Poets Against Racism USA joined Poets Against Racism UK and Poets for Refugees to present Poets Against Racism Goes Global during this year’s Nottingham Poetry Festival in Nottingham, UK. PAR UK’s Manjit Sahota hosted this celebration of resistance poetry, with PAR USA cofounder Debbie Allen representing the members of PAR USA. The program featured inspiring spoken word poetry and readings by invited poets as well as open mic opportunities for anyone seeking to confront racism, bigotry, and hate through the power of poetry.
May 7, 2022
Black History Tour, Youngstown
Poets Against Racism USA was proud to serve as a program sponsor for Youngstown’s Black History Tour. Presented by Lit Youngstown, the tour focused on sites and individuals critical to the history of this northern Ohio city and included readings by poet-in-residence Quartez Harris. Ohio Poetry Association’s 2021 Poet of the Year, Quartez is the author of We Made It To School Alive, a full-length collection of poems published by Twelve Arts Press, and Nothing, But Skin, a poetry collection published in 2014 by Writing Knights Press. We Made It To School Alive was inspired by Quartez’s work as a teacher and gives voice to the experiences of the children he works with every day who deal with structural barriers, intergenerational poverty, educational negligence, and more.
December 12, 2021
Patricia Thrushart Reads from Inspired
Poets Against Racism USA cofounder Patricia Thrushart read from her newest poetry book, Inspired By Their Voices, published by Mammoth Books. This event, held in Brookville, Pennsylvania, was cosponsored by The Watershed Journal Literary Group and Poets Against Racism USA. Check out the recording on our YouTube Channel.
May 25, 2021
In This Together 2021—VIDEO AVAILABLE!
On the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death, Poets Against Racism (UK) and The Watershed Journal Literary Group teamed up to present a virtual reading by poets from both organizations, emphasizing the theme “in this together.” To access the 90-minute video on our YouTube Channel, click here: Poets Against Racism: In This Together.