We stand against institutionalized racism now and always. We are heartbroken by the news of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We will use this platform to interrogate our own privilege, and to join those who are seeking an end to institutionalized racism.

We are seeking poetry that responds to police brutality in America directed toward people of color in America. What would our country look like if we protected the lives of black and brown people? What if we held law enforcement accountable for their violence towards people of color? What would our country look like if we dismantled white supremacy and institutional racism? Show us that America.

 

This issue is in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, Tamar Rice, Treyvon Martin, Eric Garner, and so many others. We say their names. We demand justice. Enough is enough.

This platform is yours to express what you are thinking and feeling. We want an America where the lives of our friends and loved ones are not cut short by racist policing. We want brothers, sisters, and gender variant siblings of color to grown old and live to build beautiful things. Melt down the guns and ammunition. Disarm the tools of violence. Dismantle systems of institutionalized racism and oppression.

 

This issue will be released as a digital download and a limited edition print issue. 100% of the profits from the sale of this issue will be donated to SpiritHouse. We will also match up to $250. SpiritHouse, was founded and is led by women of color. This organization specializes in restorative justice, striving to “reduce and eventually eliminate community reliance on law enforcement.”