Power of Words Exposing Racism Poetry Project to Be Held on June 19   

By Lourice Angie

    On Sat., June 19 (Juneteenth) voices will be heard and feelings will be shared during an artistic and collaborative event called the Power of Words Exposing Racism (P.O.W.E.R.) Poetry Project. The event will be held at the Railroad Green in the Village of Warwick from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  It will include music, art, dancing, live performances and more. 

The P.O.W.E.R. Project Collective organization is composed of a diverse group of Board members – Sabrina Jennings, Judy Batista, Patricia McMillan, Bernadette Hageman, Nicole Repose and Roseanne Esposito. P.O.W.E.R. was created so that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) within the community can be celebrated and share their experiences. 

Event organizer Sabrina Jennings, believes that in order to inspire true change, topics such as racism, prejudice and discrimination must be discussed directly with people that have been affected by them. The goal of the P.O.W.E.R. Poetry Project is to give a voice to BIPOC community members and continue hosting more educational and creative events in the future.

Christ Church in Warwick, Wickham Works, and the Milkweed Project and many others have been pivotal in providing outreach resources and helping the team to confidently move forward.

“Everyone from students, civil servants, community members and the amazing P.O.W.E.R. team have helped breathe life into the project,” said Jennings. 

The team is currently seeking submissions from BIPOC community members, poetry, short stories, pictures and more that will be showcased on local merchant windows throughout the Village to help give the community a visual representation of the trials and triumphs that come with enduring racism. The group hopes this walking exhibit will help people understand that this is a non-confrontational approach to start a conversation where voices can peacefully be heard. 

For the more extroverted types, they are offering the chance to perform spoken word, sing and showcase other artistic works. For a full line-up of events or to sign up to perform, visit their Facebook page @Powerprojectcolllective, email powerprojectcollective@gmail.com or visit Etched In Time Engraving located at 58 Main St. in Warwick for an entry form.

Members of the P.O.W.E.R. Collective Board recently met at the Railroad Green in the Village of Warwick to help kick-off the poetry event that will be held on Sat., June 19. Pictured (from left) are: Board members Judy Batista, Sabrina Jennings, Patricia McMillan, Bernadette Baptiste Hageman & Roseanne Esposito. (Not pictured:  Nicole Repose)