Building on a Rich Legacy: Poets Out Loud & Poetic Justice Institute

For nearly 30 years, Poets Out Loud has offered NYC and Fordham University a vibrant poetry community. From a small, unfunded reading series—begun in 1992 by a group of volunteer Fordham faculty, students, and staff—POL has grown into a national organization that houses an event series, a book series with Fordham Press, and outreach programs. Its mission has been to provide opportunities for the creation, dissemination, and enjoyment of poetry.
  
Now Poets Out Loud is building on its rich history to launch Poetic Justice Institute. In response to our unprecedented historical moment, Poetic Justice Institute will not only continue to serve the Fordham University and NYC communities but will also increase our reach through digital and print technologies to include a national network of poets, scholars, and social justice workers. Our mission will be to explore and celebrate American poetry and poetics as indispensable tools for social and personal transformation. Every two years, we will select a theme in response to what is urgent in the national focus. Our 2020 - 2022 theme is WITNESS. Poetic Justice Institute will feature a festival, podcast, reading series and will continue to publish two new volumes of poetry annually in partnership with Fordham University Press.