June 27, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College alumni and faculty are among the contributors to a poetry anthology to support Ukrainian relief efforts.
“Busy Griefs, Raw Towns” will be available at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, starting July 15.
GF Korreck, who edited the collection, noted that almost all the poems were written expressly in support of the relief efforts.
“Poetry cannot stop violence,” said Korreck, who attended GRCC when it was Grand Rapids Junior College. “But it can awaken people. It can remind us of our soul, our humanity, and what it means to be part of a world.”
The anthology, produced by Schuler, includes work by:
- GRJC alumnus David Cope, a former Grand Rapids poet laureate who taught at GRCC for 22 years.
- GRCC alumnus Alban Fischer, author of “Fake Moon” and founding editor of Trnsfr and Trnsfr Books.
- GRCC professor Katie Kalisz, author of “Quiet Woman.”
- GRCC professor Mursalata Muhammad, recent recipient of the Sweeney Memorial Boat House Residency at Lines End for emerging writers.
- Former GRCC adjunct instructor Debra Wierenga, author of “Marriage and Other Infidelities.”
Korreck was the editor of the 2007 anthology "Sins and Felonies" that included his work, and submissions form Cope and two others with GRJC ties, Frank Salamone and David Montgomery. All four were also associated with Display Magazine, which continues today.
Proceeds from sales of the book will go to the International Rescue Committee to support continuing Ukraine relief efforts. It can be ordered in advance on Schuler’s website, linked here.