I Thought I Heard A Cardinal Sing, Ohio’s Appalachian Voices

Poetry Reading with Kari Gunter-Seymour, Ohio Poet Laureate

Kari Gunter-Seymour, the Ohio Poet Laureate, and featured poets will read from the anthology celebrating the unique culture of Ohio's Appalachian population. A book signing will follow.

I Thought I Heard A Cardinal Sing, Ohio’s Appalachian Voices is focused on the unique cultural experiences of Appalachians located in Ohio Central Appalachia – “roots” steeped in southern culture, but having evolved as they have been applied to northern ways; and the ways in which others with strong ties to Ohio relate to the culture, landscape, history and lore.

The work speaks honestly and proudly as it represents Ohio’s Appalachia, providing examples of honor, endurance, courage, love of family, the land; and provides evidence of how even against the odds Ohio’s Appalachians continue to thrive, to work hard to overcome stereotype and marginalization and take pride in their ancestry and heritage. People often forget and many do not even know that nearly 1/4 of the state of Ohio rests inside Appalachia proper and pockets of Appalachian families who migrated generations ago prominently exist throughout the state. Ohio Appalachia proudly produces bright, talented individuals who are highly skilled and well educated, but continue to struggle with mainstream America’s negative response to their Appalachian heritage. 

This project is made possible by the Academy of American Poets with funds from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The anthology is published in partnership with Sheila-Na-Gig Editions and non-profit distribution opportunities made possible by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.