The entire community is invited to an evening of solidarity, conversation, and connection at an event featuring local poets at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Hartford.

Submitted

Local poets are gathering to host a Poetry and Solidarity event in response to the ongoing violence against the immigrant community and protesters in Minneapolis and across the country by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The evening will provide an opportunity to shine a light on the injustices being perpetrated and to honor those who have lost their lives, including Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2080 Boulevard, West Hartford. A reception will follow, providing time for conversation and connection.

Through poetry, silence, and communal presence, the gathering will create space to grieve lives lost, bear witness to the struggle happening in Minneapolis, and affirm the sacred dignity of our immigrant neighbors. The evening will feature original poems and selected readings.

Participants include former West Hartford Poets Laureate Ben S. Grossberg, Dennis Barone, and James Finnegan along with local poets Karim Ahmed, Anita Durkin, Rev. Julie Emery and Sitara Gnanaguru.

“This event is an act of remembrance and moral witness,” said Rev. Julie Emery, pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church. “There is so much fear and grief in our communities right now. We want to offer a space to grieve, honor stories, and share words of hope and witness. We refuse to let death and violence have the last word.”

Former West Hartford Poet Laureate Dennis Barone admits he has been disturbed by the violence against citizens like Renee Good and Alex Pretti. “Renee Good was a poet and was trying to support her immigrant neighbors when she was killed. It seemed an appropriate way to honor her memory as well as support those in our own community who are being targeted with such hatred.”

The poetry event is grounded in the church’s commitment to compassion, justice, and accompaniment with those who are most vulnerable. The church also plans to offer additional ways to support our immigrant neighbors. Organizers emphasize that the event is nonpartisan and focused on remembrance, lament, and solidarity with affected families and communities. All are welcome.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is easily accessible by bus, and ample free parking is available. For more information, visit www.westpresby.org or contact the Rev. Julie Emery, pastor, Westminster Church at 860-521-6240.

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