Call for Poetry
The call for poetry for the Historical Society of Greater Lansing (HSGL) “Origin Stories” is now open.
The submission deadline is January 8, 2024.
Entry Rules and Requirements:
As part of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing (HSGL) “Origin Stories” program HSGL is issuing a call for Poetry. Only poems written by the poet will be considered. The poem should have no more than 30 lines and may be in any form: rhymed, free verse, prose, rap, etc. The poem may have been previously published. Poems must be original and be based on the narrative of the “Origin Stories” project:
The “Origin Stories" project is a collection of recorded oral histories detailing the arrival of Lansing residents from across the globe. Selections as broad as a Vietnamese boat person, the son of a Ukrainian shepherd, a family who made their way via the Erie Canal, a young couple from Alabama who were part of the Great Migration, a family member who survived an Indian Boarding School, and other individuals who were part of refugee resettlement. Many came fleeing war, famine, religious oppression, and many others saw opportunities not available to them in their original countries. Immigrants made their way from Haiti, Ireland, Nigeria, France, Cuba, Canada, Vietnam, Scotland, and scores of other countries.
The poet of the selected poem gives the HSGL permission to publish the poem on the HSGL website, their internet social media platforms, and in “Origin Stories” artwork. The poet, however, retains rights to their poetry.
There is no submission fee.
In addition to the poem, Poets must submit:
A poet’s statement and history (their poet’s journey and origin story). Limit 100 words.
Name, home address, and phone number.
Application to be considered is at www.lansinghistory.org.
With questions please contact info@lansinghistory.org.
The Historical Society of Greater Lansing will impanel a committee to review and select the winning poem.
The winning poet will receive an award of $500.
The Origin Stories Project is funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is administered by the Historical Society of Greater Lansing.
There are two methods for submission:
(1) Complete the form below, including all fields and file upload.
(2) Email, including attachments, the required materials (name, address, phone number, poet’s statement, and poem) to info@lansinghistory.org.
