What began with an idea on social media in Florida has spread across the nation and into Iowa. Writers from Des Moines, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids are planning events as part of an international Writers Resist movement on Sunday, Jan. 15, the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
Writers are participating to share their commitment to the spirit of compassion, equality, free speech, and other democratic ideals. They’ll be reading from selected works from 1 to 4 p.m. that day at Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Ave. There will also be some open mic time with a five-minute limit. For more about the local event, including a list of participating writers, click here.
The founder of Writers Resist, poet Erin Belieu, grew concerned during the recent presidential campaign over public cynicism and how disdain for truthfulness had eroded democratic ideals. “Writers are acutely aware when the uses of language are empty,” Belieu said when planning Writers Resist. “Whether you live in a red or blue state, or another country that cares deeply about the American experiment, there is no more important battle than our right to truth.”
For more information, contact Kyle McCord, kfmccord@gmail.com
