Poets Gather at California Capitol to Remember Those Killed by ICE

Over 300 California poets and writers will participate in 'A Courage of Poets' remembrance event

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On Friday, February 6th, more than 300 poets and writers from across California will gather at the state capitol in Sacramento for 'A Courage of Poets,' a four-hour event to honor and remember individuals killed by ICE on the streets or in custody. The event, sponsored by Sonoma County's Sixteen Rivers Press, will feature a collective poem where each participant offers two to three lines, as well as a 'barbaric yawp' to express grief, outrage, hope, and a vision for a more just democracy.

Why it matters

This gathering reflects the belief that art and poetry can kindle compassion and imagine a more just society, at a time when many feel democracy is under threat. By holding the event at the state capitol, the organizers aim to have poetry occupy California's seat of legislative power and address the political realities behind the lives lost.

The details

The event will feature a range of voices, from poets laureate to spoken-word artists, who will link hands and create a 'collective poem' by each offering two to three lines spoken aloud. At one point, participants will raise their voices together in a 15-second 'barbaric yawp,' inspired by Walt Whitman's famous line, to express a range of emotions. The gathering will conclude with a final poem offered by California poet laureate Lee Herrick.

  • The event will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10am to 2pm.
  • The idea for 'A Courage of Poets' emerged from a poetry reading last fall where the question of what poets can do to stand up against fascism was posed.

The players

Sixteen Rivers Press

A non-hierarchical, all-volunteer poetry press in Sonoma County that is organizing the event.

Moira Magneson

The organizer of 'A Courage of Poets' event.

Terry Ehret

A poet and member of the Sixteen Rivers Press collective.

Lee Herrick

The California poet laureate who will offer a final poem to conclude the event.

Renee Good

A poet who was killed by ICE and will be honored at the event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As poets and writers, we feel kindred to Renée [Good] since she, too, was a poet.”

— Moira Magneson, Event Organizer (bohemian.com)

“Our event will certainly remember them all.”

— Terry Ehret, Poet and Sixteen Rivers Press Member (bohemian.com)

“The yawp as a way to voice 'grief, outrage, hope, joy,' and to summon Whitman's vision of democracy at a moment when many feel it is under threat.”

— Moira Magneson, Event Organizer (bohemian.com)

What’s next

The event organizers hope that participants will leave the gathering 'energized and inspired to engage in continued peaceful acts of resistance'.

The takeaway

This poetry gathering at the state capitol reflects the belief that art and collective expression can be powerful tools to address political realities, honor those lost, and imagine a more just democracy in challenging times.