SWAMPSCOTT — S.U.R.E. (Swampscott Unites, Respects, and Embraces) Diversity is collaborating with Salem State University professor January Gill O’Neil for a book signing and reading of her most recent collection of poems, “Glitter Road,” which reflects on Black history.
The event will be held at the Senior Center on Dec. 2, starting at 6:30 p.m.
According to S.U.R.E. Diversity member Ralph Edwards, O’Neil centers her poems around her time in Mississippi and includes elements like tales of those who lived through slavery and Emmet Till’s death. As O’Neil explains in the book, how it’s intertwined with her own history, she also stresses the importance of finding joy in our lives in the world we inhabit.
O’Neil said that the event is about “gathering community members in a shared space to reflect on history and belonging through poetry, offering connections across differences.”
“My book, ‘Glitter Road,’ touches upon history, memory, loss, resilience, and the ways our personal and collective pasts intersect. Also joy — can’t forget joy,” she said. “I’m excited to talk about Emmett Till and his legacy, as well as my time in Mississippi with my then-teenagers.”
She continued, explaining that communities need spaces like this, especially now when many feel fractured and disconnected.
“S.U.R.E. Diversity offers a space to open up conversations with neighbors and new friends. I think it’s the willingness to share stories that will bring us back together. Poetry and storytelling helps with that,” she said. “I’ve tried to do that work at Salem State, and in my own small way with ‘Glitter Road.’ So having this event among North Shore neighbors and community members feels special.”
O’Neil added, “I hope people see that we really aren’t that different. I like to remind my audiences that there are good people everywhere trying to do the right thing. That was my biggest takeaway doing the research for this poetry collection. My hope is that readers discover new perspectives they hadn’t considered. Poetry is for everyone. No barriers, no gatekeeping.”
S.U.R.E. Diversity, formed in 2016, is a volunteer community group aimed at celebrating all aspects of human diversity.
