Maine Poet Richard Blanco to Address Event in Portland

Maine poet, Richard Blanco will be reading at a free event today (Friday, June 20) in Portland. This is an opportunity to see the man who made history with his poetry at President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

To celebrate World Refugee Day, Richard Blanco, Portland City Mayor Michael and others will participate in this annual event to honor the courage and struggles of the more than 15 million people worldwide displaced by war and persecution. The event starts at 4 p.m. at Congress Square Park in Portland.

Following the event, Salt Institute will host a reception featuring a photography collection, “In the Shadows: Urban Refugee Children in Africa,” by National Geographic photographer and Salt alumnus Amy Toensing. It begins at 6 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

What do you think about this story? Share your comments here on our web site and on our Facebook and Twitter pages under the hashtag #MainePoet