Washburn Invites the Public to “Ichabods Speak Out Again” Book Release Oct. 10

      Topeka, KS – Dennis Etzel Jr., senior lecturer for English, Washburn University, and Jericho Hockett, associate professor of psychology, Washburn University, in collaboration with the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment and Washburn's Counseling Services, invite the Washburn community and the public to the book release of “Ichabods Speak Out Again: Poetry Against Domestic Violence.” A few of the authors of this collection will read a poem and there will be an open mic for others who wish to read their own poetry. This free event is 1:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Union Underground in the Memorial Union, on the Washburn University campus.

     Due to the nature of the poems, parental discretion is requested. If parents decide to bring children, discussions are requested before children attend.

       This book follows the 2018 “Ichabods Speak Out” book of poetry in response to the “Me, too” movement, allowing Washburn students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to give a voice to situations they may have experienced. “Ichabods Speak Out Again: Poetry Against Domestic Violence” includes poets from Washburn University, the Topeka community and with Topeka connections.

    “As editors of this collection, we invite the writing and reading of these lines against violence as a critical poetic inquiry, as a work of art and as a spiritual endeavor,” said Etzel and Hockett. “With this collection, we mean to give voice to victims/survivors of domestic violence and to their advocates.

    “By ‘spiritual endeavor’ we mean that we want to draw attention to how aspects of culture, captured by phrases like ‘it’s none of my business,’ ‘a domestic dispute’ or ‘sibling rivalry,’ may obscure and ensure violence in homes and in families. However, we also want to remember that other aspects of our culture, such as poetry, community organizations like the YWCA of Northeast Kansas' Center for Safety and Empowerment, have long, radical and powerful histories of naming, calling out and inspiring action against domestic violence, and for healing and peace.”

    Free copies of the book will be provided thanks to the generous funding of donations from the 2023 All for WU fundraiser. Learn more about the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/670055134995378.

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