More than a dozen accomplished poets from McHenry County and beyond will be featured at Poets in Resistance Again this Saturday, January 11 from 7 to 10 pm at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry.
The first Poets in Resistance program was held in March of 2017 and was one of the most successful public events that Tree of Life hosted. Event organizer Patrick Murfin said, “It has been the historic mission of poets to be the prophets, Cassandras, and voices for the voiceless often in defiance of authority and at great personal risk. Now perilous times, climate disaster, war, oppression, and existential threat to democracy demand that those voices be heard again.”
The call for a new program was inspired by a quote from Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison:
This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge — even wisdom. Like art.
Joe Calvillo of Paladins of Poetry.
The poets represent themselves and the communities they are a part of which feel threatened by the incoming regime. They include published writers, frequent poetry program readers, teachers, and activists such as Joe Calvillo, founder of Paladins of Poetry; Tricia Alexander, award-winning performing and healing artist, poet, songwriter, and musician; and noted Rockford based regional performance poet and social justice activist Christopher D. Sims. Once again blogger, poet, and activist Patrick Murfin will host.
Poet, musician, and healing artist Trisha Alexander.
The event will be free to the public but a suggested $20 donation at the door can be split between Tree of Life social justice ministries including Compassion for Campers, Jail Brakers, support for immigrants and refugees, work for women’s reproductive freedom and safety, and LGBTQ+ support and solidarity. Attendees can also select any or all of four social justice organizations on the front lines—the Illinois Community for Displaced Immigrants (ICDI), McHenry County Citizens for Choice (MCCC), McHenry County NOW, and Woodstock Pride. Cash and checks will be accepted and payments can be designated for the organizations by using a QR code. No one, however, will be turned away if they cannot afford a donation.
Hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and desert treats will be available with coffee, juice, soft drinks, and water. Adult beverages will be available for a voluntary donation at the bar. Some poets may have books, chapbooks, magazines, or CDs for sale.
For more information contact Patrick Murfin at pmurfin@sbcglobal.net or 815 814-5645.
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