Following the recent mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Poetry Atlanta member Collin Kelley was looking for a way to honor the victims and provide an outlet for Atlanta’s diverse arts community to express themselves.
On June 24, more than 30 artists are expected to give special readings of poetry and prose at the main branch of the Dekalb County Public Library. Hosted by Poetry Atlanta and the Georgia Center for the Book, the event is titled “Don’t Stop Kissing: A Reading for Orlando.”
#DontStopKissing became a popular hashtag on social media following the Orlando shooting, which took place at Pulse nightclub. According to early reports, the father of the shooter said his son had become upset a few months prior to the attack when he saw two men kissing in Miami.
Kelley said he was aware of the vigils that have been held locally to remember the victims. He wanted to do something different.
“Giving artists a chance to respond is a bit more tangible,” he said.
Kelley said the purpose of this event is to “stand in solidarity with the victims in Orlando,” as well as to give the Atlanta community a place to grieve and express themselves.
He said each reader will have about two to three minutes to read original or classic pieces. He intentionally put together a culturally diverse group of readers, but didn’t put restrictions on what they’re allowed to recite.
“I put out a call on Facebook last week to see who would be available,” he said. “I was overwhelmed by the number of responses.”
Here is the Facebook page for the event.
If You Go: 7:15 p.m. June 24. Free. Dekalb County Public Library, 215 Sycamore St, Decatur.
