Poetry, Protest and Power

What role can writing play in shaping democracy?

From Phillis Wheatley’s poetry during the Revolutionary era to Sojourner Truth’s powerful speeches, Ida B. Wells’s investigative journalism, and Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem, women have long used words to challenge injustice and inspire political change.

This Women's History Month, former AAUW NYC Metro Rising Leader Izzy Lee shares work from her project Poepathy, exploring how poetry, speeches, and essays have helped drive major social movements, from abolition and women’s suffrage to the civil rights movement, and how literature continues to shape civic life today.

Through powerful examples and discussion, this session will highlight the lasting impact of women’s voices in public life and invite participants to reflect on the role that storytelling and creative expression can play in advancing democracy.