Elijah Elliott reads a poem reflecting on racism and hate on Tuesday April 4, the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., at the Butler Area Public Library. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Dozens of people observed the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4 by sharing poetry reflecting on racism and hate at the Butler Area Public Library.

The Poets Against Racism and Hate USA is a group formed by poets Patricia Thrushart and Debbie Allen in 2021, and they now organize events around Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio where they can share poems with other people.

The April 4 event saw several people read poems reflecting on racism and hate of all kinds with others at the library.

Dianne McCauley, the library’s adult program coordinator, said she discovered the group last fall, but it took some time before she could bring it to Butler.

“They kind of showcase their talent, their mission, but they also like to have local people showcase theirs,” McCauley said of the traveling poets.

Tabassam Shah reads a poem on racism and hate on Tuesday, April 4 at the Butler Area Public Library. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Erin Dansevicus reads a poem about racism at an event organized by Poets Against Racism and Hate USA on April 4 at the Butler Area Public Library. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

A group of people listen to Tabassam Shah as she reads a poem reflecting on racism and hate on April 4 at the Butler Area Public Library. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle 04/01/23

Phil Yerman speaks about the effects of racism and hate at an event April 4 at the Butler Area Public Library. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle 04/01/23

Jeffery Schrader reads a poem at a gathering of Poets Against Racism and Hate USA on April 4, the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., at the Butler Area Public Library. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle 04/01/23