Racism is a Public Health Crisis: Poetry by Ashanti Files

Daily original poetry from the 2021 City of Urbana Poet Laureate, Ashanti Files!

April 19th through the 22nd. Join our Facebook event here!

Ashanti Files, the 2021 Poet Laureate of the City of Urbana, is only the second person to be named as such by the Urbana’s Arts & Culture Program to promote. She connects with many community groups, schools, and creative circles to promote an appreciation of and active interest in poetry. Ashanti is also a registered nurse and health advocate for women and people of color. She brings together both talents by presenting six original poems on the theme of Racism as a Public Health Crisis. She has crafted these poems to mirror presentations on food security and nutrition, maternal health, and the Covid-19 pandemic.