Poets to address racism and hate at library
A traveling gaggle of poets will perform readings featuring poems reflecting on racism and hate at the Butler Area Public Library on April 4, the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Poets Against Racism and Hate USA have done readings at libraries around the area. The readings allow others to give their takes through open mic opportunities.
“We decided we would use the power of poetry to confront bigotry and hate but also antisemitism, misogyny,” said Patricia Thrushart, co-founder of Poets Against Racism and Hate USA. “There is a lot of emotion, a lot of feeling that come up when these topics are discussed.”
Thrushart, who lives in Clarion County, said she and fellow poet Debbie Allen, of Youngstown, Ohio, founded the poetry group in 2021, having been inspired by the Poets Against Racism in Nottingham, England.
After having a few virtual readings through the group, members of the Poets Against Racism and Hate have traveled to libraries in Western Pennsylvania to express their thoughts on social issues through poetry.
“We ask people what they're feeling, because in the end, that's what it's all about,” Thrushart said. “It's about using the power of poetry to display emotion and help them come to terms with the themes in our society.”
