Upcoming Events
Throughout 2024
Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour
Poets Against Racism & Hate USA and the Ohio Poetry Association are teaming with community partners to present the Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour. This series of readings taking place around the state will feature poets and poems that honor Ohio’s heritage and role in the Underground Railroad and raise awareness of issues of social injustice, hate, and prejudice that persist today. Please plan to join us in examining our nation’s history and current challenges through the powerful lens that is poetry.
PROJECT DONORS
Our sincere thanks to the following donors and those who wish to remain anonymous for supporting the Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour.
Starlight Donors: Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home, Cherry Road Winery, Ohio State Paranormal Society
Lanternlight Donors: Robin Mullett, Holly Brians Ragusa, Deborah Strozier
Candlelight Donors: Jessica Boll; Linda Chernick; Abby Neff; Mandy, Bryan, and Donovan Stahl; Shannon Stewart; Jenna Yoakem
To make a tax-deductible donation to support the tour, go here.
Next Stop
WHEN
Saturday, May 4
HOST
Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society
WHERE
Oberlin Underground Railroad Center
273 S. Main St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
GOOGLE MAP
AGENDA
2:00 PM–4:00 PM: Local history presentation and poetry reading
4:30 PM–5:30 PM: Guided visit to Wilson Bruce Evans Home plus walking-and-poetry tour highlighting commemorative sculptures of Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Additional Info:
• Programming will include a social justice poetry activity for sixth graders at Oberlin’s Langston Middle School on May 3.
• At the local history presentation and poetry reading, PARH USA members Atlas and Jeremy Jusek will be among the featured poets!
• The local history presentation and poetry reading will include exhibitor and poet book sales tables.
• Indie bookstore Ben Franklin & MindFair Books, 13 W. College St., Oberlin, will offer discounts on relevant books in conjunction with the event.
Down The Line
May 19—Kelton House, Columbus
September 8—Springboro Performing Arts Center, Springboro
September 14—Hanby House, Westerville
September 21—The Underground Railroad Museum, Flushing
October 5—First Congregational United Church of Christ, Mount Vernon
October 13—John Rankin House Visitor Center & John P. Parker House, Ripley
December 7—Capstone Celebration, Ohio History Center, Columbus
May 25, 2024, 7-8:30 PM ET
In This Together 2024
Taking place on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the virtual event In This Together 2024 will feature PARH USA member poets presenting works addressing the theme of systemic racism in the United States. As part of this theme, we will remember George Floyd and other victims of police brutality and explore topics such as race-based police violence, inequities in the U.S. criminal justice system, systemic racism in other 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.
Past Events
Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour 2024 Completed Events
The Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour, presented by Poets Against Racism & Hate USA and the Ohio Poetry Association, is underway! Events have occurred from the state’s southern border to its northernmost reaches!
April 27—Spring Hill Historic Home & Underground Railroad Site Area poets Atlas, Quartez Harris, Jessica Jones, Diane Kendig, and Kortney Morrow, as well as Kent State Stark student Jacob Martzaklis, read a powerful collection of poems. Spring Hill’s Kathleen Bachtel and Michael Weinstock provided context for the readings through a description of Spring Hill’s rich Underground Railroad history and a comprehensive tour of the home.
April 20—Sandusky Library, Sandusky Northwestern Ohio poets Sandra L. Faulkner, Huntorprey, and Larry Smith stirred the audience and sparked dialogue with their readings. Erie County Historical Society’s Mary Ann Groot presented on Sandusky’s Underground Railroad heritage, local Underground Railroad artifacts were on display, and tours of Sandusky Library’s Follett House Museum took place.
February 24—Southern Ohio Museum & Cultural Center, Portsmouth Poetry workshops were led by Brew Wilson-Battles, Chuck Salmons, and Rikki Santer. Local poets Chandler-Ryan Campbell, Chelsea Watkins, and Portia Williams gave a moving poetry reading. Historian Andrew Feight provided a local history presentation and led a walking tour of Portsmouth Underground Railroad sites.
As a sponsor of the tour, we at PARH USA are so grateful to the venues, poets, and local organizations supporting this project.
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
Patricia Thrushart on Writing Social Justice Poetry, Franklin Public Library, Franklin, Pennsylvania
May 25, 2023
Poets Against Racism: 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.