The Poetry Coalition, an alliance of more than 25 independent poetry organizations across the United States, will devote March 2020 to exploring the theme “I am deliberate/ and afraid/ of nothing: Poetry & Protest” in a series of programs in eleven cities that will reach an anticipated audience of more than 300,000 individuals nationwide.
The line “I am deliberate/ and afraid/ of nothing: Poetry & Protest” is from the poem “New Year’s Day” by Audre Lorde.
The theme was inspired by a number of occasions taking place next year, including the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote and the 50th anniversary of the tragic shooting of student protesters at Kent State University, as well as the role poetry has played in encouraging civic and grassroots engagement, and contributed to public debate and dialogue.
Poetry Coalition members aim to demonstrate how poetry can positively provoke questions in their communities about timely and pressing issues, and spark increased empathy and understanding.