People support Ukraine, raise money for Doctors Without Borders at open mic night

JACKSONVILLE, Onslow County — Poets across Eastern North Carolina met in Beaufort for a special reading and open mic night to show solidarity with Ukraine and to raise money for Doctors Without Borders.

Several poets shared pieces about conflict in efforts to promote conversation, educate and raise money to help as the war reaches day 30.

Spoken word from poets around ENC filled First Free Will Baptist Church in Beaufort in efforts to help people in on the front lines in Ukraine.

“Can we even comprehend in America what it would be for 25 percent of the population of the country to be displaced and for millions of people to be fighting for their lives to cross the borders,” said poet Paloma Capanna.

Families being displaced is just one reason Capanna said it’s important to share what’s happening in the form of open mic.

“It’s important for us in the community to be aware of that call, that we all feel, whether it’s the humanitarian, or the military, or simply to support someone else who has family in Ukraine or families coming here on the new special visa,” she said.

For poet Larry Jaffe, sharing his work means spreading awareness about rights violations against the Ukrainian people.

“Obviously the situation in Ukrainian is critical. I’m not trying to downplay it, but we have to make sure these peoples' human rights aren’t violated and if they were not violated, there would be no war there," said Jaffe.

In addition to advocating and using words to help sort through the conflict, the poets are also raising money for Doctors Without Borders and hope to inspire others to get involved.

“I want people to walk out of here inspired, whether that’s to write letters to congress or writing to Putin, do something so you feel you are involved and not a spectator on this planet,” said Jaffe.

“This is an opportunity to pass the peace, see each other’s face, find out who wants to help and see what we can do as this unfolds,” said Cappana.

You can also visit Sinclair Cares to help people in Ukraine.