RENEE GOOD, fatally shot by an ICE agent in south Minneapolis on January 7, was an award-winning poet. That is fact. The federal government has flooded Minnesota with thousands of ICE agents. That, too, is fact.
So it seems fitting that “Words to Meet the Moment—A Poetry Event Against Fascism” is set for 2 pm Sunday, January 18, at The Grand Event Center in Northfield. More than 20 poets have already signed up to read their poetry, or that written by others, at this public gathering.
According to organizers (Content Bookstore, The Grand and Northfield area poets), the event is intended to bring the community together in response to recent ICE presence in Northfield and in response to the killing of Renee Good.
There is power in poetry, in the written and spoken word. The arts in general—whether literary, visual or performing—have long been a way to meet the moment. In 2021, for example, the Ramsey County Library published This Was 2020: Minnesotans Write About Pandemics and Social Justice in a Historic Year. That collection of short prose and poetry addressed the COVID-19 pandemic, the justice for George Floyd movement and the overall political climate in our country in 2020. My poem, “Funeral During a Pandemic” was selected for publication in the collection.
While I won’t be available to participate in Sunday’s “Words to Meet the Moment” poetry reading in Northfield, I will be there in spirit. And if I am so inspired, I will work on a poem to submit. That’s an option for those who can’t attend or who don’t want to read.
“Words to Meet the Moment” is about more than just words, though. Event planners are also accepting donations for Northfield Supporting Neighbors, a grassroots organization founded to help meet the needs of local immigrants, especially for legal services.
This marks a moment in time when we can use our words, our hands, our financial resources to make a difference. Or we can do nothing. I choose meeting the moment with strength, courage, hope, action and words.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
More violence overnight in Minneapolis and it is difficult to process. I pray for the safety of all. I am sure the words you pen will be inspiring and heartfelt.
Tensions are running high. And, yes, another ICE shooting. It’s really difficult right now in Minnesota as we feel under siege by the federal government. And that is stating it mildly.
this is a brilliant way to honor Renee Good and to use the power of poetry as your state continues to find a way through this nightmare brought to your from this policy of the horrible regime we are currently living under. thank you for all you have done and continue to do to meet this moment with all of your tools and strengths.
I’m going to email you the poem that a teacher from our high school in Ann Arbor read at our vigil and our protest/rally for Renee in response to her poem and her murder. It was very passionate and very powerful. Many people cried listening to it read aloud by him.
I look forward to reading the poem. See the email I sent to you. Perhaps this teacher would like to submit his poem to Content Bookstore for reading at Sunday’s event. I bet organizers would appreciate support from Michigan. Click on the Content link in this post for how to submit.
Thank you for standing strong with Minnesota!
Thanks for this notification…didn’t know about it…in my own town. 😉 We won’t be able to attend either, but it’s good to know about.
Since I’m connected with poets in Northfield, I was emailed about this. I wanted to get the word out, hoping for a large turn-out.
Good idea.