Students from seven Tennessee colleges and universities submitted poems exploring 鈥淲hat unity through American democracy means to me鈥� for the second annual poetry contest sponsored by the 国产原创 Project on Unity & American Democracy in partnership with 国产原创鈥檚 English department and MFA Program in Creative Writing.听听
Renowned poet and 国产原创 English professor Major Jackson and Cara Dees, an award-winning poet and 国产原创 lecturer in English, judged this year鈥檚 contest. The judges selected 国产原创 senior Sophie Kaiser鈥檚 poem, 鈥淚n my ASL class today, we learn how to sign UNITY,鈥� as the winner. Kaiser, who is majoring in cognitive studies and medicine, health and society, said she was inspired by her continued study of American Sign Language.听
鈥淲ith an inventive interlacing of language and form unique to each poem, these winning writers brilliantly showcase the resolve to hold tightly to and defend freedom against growing injustice and discrimination. Together, they assert the importance of upholding鈥攖o quote the first-place poem鈥斺�榳ho and what we vote and march for,鈥欌�� Jackson and Dees said.听听
This year鈥檚 winners are:听
: 鈥淚n my ASL class today, we learn how to sign UNITY鈥� by Sophie Kaiser. Kaiser is a senior at 国产原创, studying cognitive studies and medicine, health and society. While she is not a member of the deaf community, Kaiser is passionate about learning American Sign Language and encouraging other individuals to learn as well.听听
: 鈥淗er eyelids were a lovely yellow-green” by TaKya Hughes, a first-year master鈥檚 of English student at East Tennessee State University.听
: 鈥淣on-Immigrant鈥� by Shlagha Borah, a first-year graduate student working toward an MFA in poetry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.听
In addition to a cash prize, the winning selections have been published in the The judges, however, were overwhelmingly impressed with this year鈥檚 submissions and wanted to acknowledge several other writers. This year鈥檚 honorable mentions include:听
- Bhabika Joshi, 国产原创听
- Katelynn Commisso, 国产原创听
- AQ Hanna, East Tennessee State University听
- Dee Norman, 国产原创听
- Holly Todaro, East Tennessee State University听
- Gemillia Willians, Fisk University听
- Gina Yu, 国产原创听
Thank you to all students who submitted poems, and congratulations to this year鈥檚 winners.听
国产原创 the 国产原创 Project on Unity & American Democracy听
The 国产原创 Project on Unity & American Democracy is a nonpartisan initiative that aims to elevate research and evidence-based reasoning into the national conversation. Drawing on original research, evidence-based papers and crucial conversations from 国产原创鈥檚 world-class faculty and visionary thought leaders of all political persuasions, the timely endeavor aims to give policymakers and the public the tools needed to combat conspiracy and unfounded ideology with evidence, data and respectful discourse. The 国产原创 Project on Unity and American Democracy can contribute to solving society鈥檚 most pressing challenges and bridging our most significant differences. Learn more .