The Department of Equity and Inclusion is excited to announce a special event that will showcase the work of esteemed scholar, poet, and Raleigh native, Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy. The event will take place on Friday, Jan. 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Tarboro Road Community Center.
Dr. Smith McKoy’s latest text, The Bones Beneath, is a collection of poetry that delves into important themes such as race and racism, health and healing. According to the author, the book “transports readers across place and time” and challenges them to explore a shared sense of collective humanity and connectedness.
During the event, Dr. Smith McKoy will read selections from her book, engage in a conversation about her work, and sign a limited number of free copies of The Bones Beneath. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from a local author who has made significant contributions to the literary world.
In addition to the book conversation and signing, the Department of Equity and Inclusion is also organizing a Youth Poetry Contest. This contest is open to Raleigh youth aged 12 to 18 who want to share their experiences related to social justice and social change in the city.
Dr. Smith McKoy will personally review the eligible poetry submissions and select a winner who will receive a prize. Furthermore, the first five submissions will have the opportunity to read their work at the event on Jan. 26. To enter the contest, interested individuals must fill out the submission form and send their poem to connect.equity@raleighnc.gov by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Please note that all submissions will be reviewed prior to the performance.
This event presents a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the power of poetry and the importance of social justice. We encourage everyone to attend the book conversation and signing with Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy, and for the young poets of Raleigh to share their voices through the Youth Poetry Contest.
For more information about Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy and her work, please visit her webpage.
