Poetry Competition

Poets from Ireland and across the world are invited to submit entries for the #DouglassWeek poetry competition, under the theme of “Frederick Douglass - Past and Present”. Entries should respond to and reflect upon the contemporary relevance of Frederick Douglass. This could include his visit to Ireland between 1845-46, or a more general reflection on his social activism and fight for equality in the current political climate.

Poems can also address related topics such as:

• Performance of poems/songs that were written as a welcome/response to Douglass’s visit

• Racism and discrimination (general)

• Opportunities and challenges of solidarity

• Human rights advocacy

• Black Lives Matter movement

• Being black and Irish

• Other related topics/themes

Poems should be 40 lines maximum (not including title). The winning submission will be showcased during the events of #DouglassWeek and performed by internationally renown actor Roger Guenveur Smith.

The closing date for submissions is January 15th, 2021. Entries should be sent to info@douglassincork.com, with the subject line “#DouglassWeek Poetry”.