Hundreds of writers, readers, and activists are coming together on January 15th across the nation to speak out for democracy.
They say that the pen is mightier than the sword. On January 15, writers across New England and the United States will join forces with Writers Resist to prove just that. Coinciding with the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr, a staunch believer in the power of using words over violence to combat social injustice, literary literati will be gathering at libraries, bookshops, and galleries to “re-inaugurate” their commitment to the fundamental principles of democracy through readings and spoken word pieces. The brainchild of poet and founder of the Writers Resist movement, Erin Belieu, these gatherings were created in response to this year’s election and the lack of factual, public discourse. “Writers are acutely aware when the uses of language are empty. Whether you live in a red or blue state, or another country that cares deeply about the American experiment, there is no more important battle than our right to truth.”
While the flagship event will be taking place in New York City, many local New England cities are hosting functions. Additionally, some are using the day of activism to raise money for progressive non-profits. Jen McClanaghan, the Rhode Island host and Salve’s Writer in Residence, is “very excited to bring Rhode Islanders together for a reading by local writers, including our state’s poet laureate, followed by an open mic. This free event is one space in which to assert our shared values of democracy, equality, and compassion.” Although Writers Resist may have come together quickly, this day of action is just the opening salvo. “This event is to lay the foundation for future events, as well as establishing a regional network of writers and activists who care about the preservation of free speech and democracy,” states Gian Lombardo of the Southeast Connecticut contingency.
The following information will be updated as needed.
Image from a series by photographer Frank Poulin, titled “Sanctuary City.”| Courtesy Writers Resist Hartford
Connecticut / Hartford
Writers Resist–Public Works: Our Voices are Bridges
Time: 630-9 pm
Location: Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street, Hartford, CT
Contact: Brent Terry, bterrible@earthlink.net
Facebook Event
Connecticut / New London / Southeast Connecticut
Time: 2-4 pm
Location: New London Public Library, 63 Huntington St., New London, CT
Contact: Gian Lombardo, lombardo@quale.com
Facebook Event
Maine / Blue Hill
WRITERS RESIST: Listening to Our Histories
Time: 4-6 pm
Location: Blue Hill Public Library, Parker Point Rd., Blue Hill, Maine
Contact: Beatrix Gates, Beax@earthlink.net
Facebook Event
Massachusetts / Boston
Time: 130-430 pm
Location: Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Rabb Hall, 700 Boylston St Boston, MA
Contact: The Critical Flame
Facebook Event
Massachusetts / Boston / South End
Time: 2 pm
Location: Boston Sculptors Gallery, 486 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA
Contact: Margaret Zamos-Monteith, zamosme@gmail.com
Facebook Event
Image courtesy Writers Resist Great Boston
Massachusetts / Gloucester
Time: 130-330 pm
Location: Rocky Neck Cultural Center, 6 Wonson St. Gloucester, Ma
Contact: JoeAnn Hart, JoeAnn@joeannhart.com
Facebook Event
Rhode Island / Newport
Time: 2 pm
Location: DiStefano Lecture Hall, Salve Regina University
Contact: Jen McClanaghan, jenmcclanaghan@gmail.com
Facebook Event
Vermont / Brattleboro
Time: 2-5 pm
Location: 118 Elliot St, Brattleboro VT
Contact: Sandy Rouse, bookcell@svcable.net
Facebook
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