This summer, the sorts of tragedies that have long befallen many in our country and the world came at a pace and a pitch that felt especially relentless. In response to this violence, racial injustice, and trauma, we have invited writers, artists, and leading creative voices to come together for Powerful Words, an evening of readings, reflections, and community. On Thursday, September 8, luminaries including WGBH President and CEO Jon Abbott, Huntington Theater Managing Director Michael Maso, author Gregory Maguire, Boston Poet Laureate Danielle Legros Georges, Harvard Hip-Hop Archive Director Marcy Morgan, award-winning chef Joanne Chang, WBUR journalist and host Meghna Chakrabarti, community powerhouse Robert Lewis, Jr., and many more will gather as a creative community to read in front of the Grandstand* on our waterfront plaza and find strength and healing through “Powerful Words.”

In a July speech in Dallas, President Obama implored us all to fight cynicism, to see in each other a common humanity and shared dignity, and to look at the world though each other’s eyes. Artists have a unique and vitally important role to do just this: to see differently, to open minds, and to build empathy. We hope you will join us for this evening of Powerful Words.

* Event moves indoors in case of rain