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Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour Culminates in Capstone Celebration

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 Poetry and performance to highlight historical significance in freedom movement

The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) and Poets Against Racism & Hate (PARH) USA will partner with the Ohio History Connection to present a very special celebration of Ohio’s role in the Underground Railroad on December 7, 2024. The Capstone Celebration will be the culminating event of the Ohio Underground Railroad Whistle-Stop Poetry Tour, a series of special poetry and history events held at various locations throughout the state this year.

The Capstone Celebration will feature live poetry readings, music and dance, film, and a special panel discussion featuring local historians. Additionally, representatives from various whistle-stop sites will have exhibit tables to interact with visitors and tell them more about some of Ohio’s important Underground Railroad sites and educational resources.

“This whole project has endeavored to draw inspiration from the unifying spirit behind the Underground Railroad,” said Chuck Salmons, past president of OPA, who originally conceived of the project.

The Capstone Celebration will be free and open to the public and will serve as a great opportunity for the community, including families, educators, and students, to engage with the intersection of art and history to honor this important period of our nation’s history.

“We hope to make progress on human rights and social justice issues that persist today, reflecting the concept encapsulated by our slogan: ‘Poetry Moves Us Beyond’,” said Debbie Allen, cofounder of PARH USA and project director.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211. Directions, parking, and other facility information is available at ohiohistory.org.

For complete information about OPA and the event, including a list of poets, performers, and historians, visit ohiopoetryassn.org. For information about PARH USA, go to poetsagainstracism-usa.org.

OPA and PARH USA are grateful to receive financial support for the project from the America 250-OH Commission and the Ohio Arts Council.

Media Inquiries:

team@ohiopoetryassn.org

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Location: Ohio History Connection

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