Dodge Poetry Initiative Launched in New Jersey

The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) have launched the 2024 Dodge Poetry initiative, which recognizes poetry as a catalyst for communities to advance social change. The program is funded by a $1.7M grant the Dodge Foundation provided NJPAC, and will see Dodge Poetry will expand beyond its biennial poetry festival to include poetry programs in Newark throughout the year.

The program, the organizations said, aims to “mobilize communities and fuel movements for social change, amplify poet activists who challenge and reframe existing narratives and norms, and create spaces for empathy, healing, and repair for individuals who have experienced systemic racism.” Its first event in the series will be Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite, a celebration of the centennial of the jazz icon and civil rights activist, who “explored social justice issues and racial inequality through the lens of jazz and poetry.” Performers include Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, presenting poems by his father, author and longtime Roach collaborator Amiri Baraka, as well as his own writing; poets Sonia Sanchez and Saul Williams; and more. 

In addition, the 20th iteration of the Dodge Poetry Festival will be held October 17–19 in Newark. ForthOther forthcoming events include a special screening of Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project on March 27 and a collaboration with Rutgers University-Newark’s MFA Program in Creative Writing focusing on social justice and poetry for students. For more information, click here.