Women of Ohio Poetry Project — Commissioned Poets and Subjects
For our Women of Ohio poetry project, we commissioned a diverse group of accomplished poets to create powerful poems about notable women connected to Ohio. They are also all women. We wanted to welcome contributions from all genders in our open call, especially being careful not to exclude nonbinary people but also not preventing men either from having the opportunity to celebrate women. Having said that, it was obviously important to have women’s voices be central. These poems reflect a wide range of women’s histories, experiences, and contributions, capturing moments that resonate deeply across time and place.
Commissioned Poets and Their Subjects:
- Cynthia Amoah on Hallie Brown: Hallie Brown was a pioneering educator and activist who made a significant impact on Ohio’s educational landscape.
- Charlene Fix on Anna A. Soter: originally from Australia, Anna A. Soter spent much of her life in Columbus, where she made her mark as an educator and community figure.
- Kathy Fagan on Berenice Abbott: a renowned photographer known for her striking images of New York City, Abbott spent part of her career connected to Ohio.
- Julia Kolchinsky Dasbach on Dzvinia Orlowsky: a celebrated poet of Ukrainian heritage whose work often explores identity and displacement.
- Mandy Shunnarah on Lucy Hayes: a First Lady and a significant figure in Ohio’s social and cultural history.
- Taylor Byas on Halle Berry: Halle Berry is an award-winning actress with Ohio roots, whose trailblazing career has broken many barriers.
In the coming weeks and months, we will be releasing these poems on our website with more information about the Ohio women represented.
Women of Ohio 