Conversation with Local Author and Youth Poetry Contest

The Department of Equity and Inclusion invites you to a special event on Friday, Jan. 26 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Tarboro Road Community Center. Explore the work of Dr. Shelia Smith McKoy, a distinguished scholar, poet, and Raleigh native, as she presents her latest poetry collection, "The Bones Beneath."  Dr. Smith McKoy will read selections from her book, lead a conversation about her work, and sign a limited number of free copies of the book as well.

There will also be a Youth Poetry Contest during the event. Raleigh youth aged 12 to 18 are invited to share their experience living in Raleigh related to social justice and/or social change. Eligible poetry submissions will be considered for a prize from Dr. Smith McKoy.  The first five submissions will have the opportunity to read their work at the event on Jan. 26. For consideration, please fill out the submission form and send your poem to connect.equity@raleighnc.gov no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23. All submissions are subject to review prior to performance.