The Power of Words Exposing Racism (P.O.W.E.R.) Collective is thrilled to be hosting an event to amplify the voices of those affected by racism through poetry. The P.O.W.E.R. Collective is creating a walking poetry exhibit showcasing the work of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community by displaying original works of poetry in merchant’s windows throughout the Village of Warwick.
In addition, on Sat., June 19, “Juneteenth,” they will host speakers and, most excitingly, spoken word performances by BIPOC community members on Warwick’s Railroad Green. P.O.W.E.R. is currently accepting submissions of original work from members of the BIPOC community at forms.gle/WUkh9CijrXwNbCKS7 and via email to powerprojectcollective@gmail.com.
Paper entries may also be submitted at Etched In Time Engraving, 58 Main St., Warwick, NY 10990. The deadline for submissions is June 1. P.O.W.E.R. strongly believes that this project will empower authors by amplifying their voices as they chronicle the impact racism has had on their lives. They welcome all that are interested in sharing, learning, and growing to join them and to bring friends and family beginning at 11 a.m. on the Railroad Green in the Village of Warwick.
Event details can be found on Facebook at Powerprojectcollective. The Black community celebrates June 19, 1865, “Juneteenth,” the date slaves were told they were free in the State of Texas, despite the Emancipation Proclamation having been signed two and a half years earlier, as the most popular annual celebration of the emancipation from slavery. P.O.W.E.R. is a women-led, majority BIPOC initiative, the goal of which is to provide a place to share experiences, and provide education to expose and eliminate racism.
