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Kentuckians For The Commonwealth plans Verses For The Commonwealth fundraiser at Roebling Point


Tickets are on sale for Verses For The Commonwealth, a fundraiser sponsored by the local chapter of the nonprofit organization, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth.

The event is billed as a night of poetry and action at Roebling Point Books and Coffee (306 Greenup Street in Covington) on April 28, from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance for $8 on Eventbrite, or for $10 at the event.

The event will utilize poetry and personal stories to highlight the diversity of the Commonwealth, the challenges it faces, and the shared visions for a better community that provides hope. All of the poets and speakers are tied to Northern Kentucky, though their roots may stretch beyond our region.

Members will acknwledge the Commonwealth’s rich literary history tied to what Kentucky means. The local chapter’s Steering Committee Representative to the statewide organization Amy Copelin says, “There are so many ways to identify yourself, and place plays a huge part of it. People outside of Kentucky think of the people here a certain way, but there is so much more diversity than that.”

Poets include Ron Ellis, author of Cogan’s Woods and Brushes With Nature: The Art of Ron Van Glider, Morgan Bell, and Garry Gallenstein, author of forthcoming Omega Stars. Speakers will include Simon Powell discussing the need for and local organizing around syringe access exchanges; Heyra Avila discussing the challenges of DACA students in the region, and the need to stand up for immigrant rights; and Robin Gee speaking about the importance of creating and maintaining an engaged electorate.

Paul Schwartz of Fort Thomas would like to hear about how community members can support immigrants who call Northern Kentucky home, pointing to the fact that many people face up to three year waits in immigration courts. “Justice delayed is justice denied, Schwartz said. “People are having their rights trampled, and being taken from their families. They go from supporting their children and spouses to facing intense difficulty in seeing them.”

Copelin said she is excited to hear about work around syringe access exchanges, and hopes that recent approval for programs in Newport and Covington can help create momentum and interest in the program outside of the urban core to help more folks in northern Kentucky.
Rachel Newton of Florence will share information about the work Kentuckians For The Commonwealth plans to do around the election.

“Elections have consequences, and (a) voter guide is super helpful,” Newton said. “Information about some of our local city races, state legislative, and even federal primaries all available for those who want it.”

The public is invited to learn more about the issues Kentuckians For The Commonwealth work on, how to get involved, and to support local authors who are lending their voices to the work.

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth


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