The Pen Stroke is My Voice: A reading & Workshop with Annie Ruth

Every writer has a voice that needs to be heard. ~Annie Ruth

Listen to and engage with honored guest Annie Ruth, an internationally respected and award-winning poet, author, and performer. She is a dynamic sister who utilizes her voice and positive spirit to inspire people around the globe.

Following a reading of her expansive collection of poetry–both published and unpublished–Annie will lead participants in a writing workshop that incorporates visual imagery and writing prompts to encourage self-reflection through storytelling.

In-Person on Saturday, February 25 from 10am – 12pm
Open to Women
Sliding Scale Tuition $25 or No Charge (A limited number of free tickets are being made available to support those who otherwise would not be able to attend)
Masks encouraged and will be available at the event

Support for this program is made possible by a grant from the Harris Family Fund.

Annie Ruth is an internationally respected and award-winning poet, author, and performer. She has authored and published over forty volumes of poetry, books and articles for both children and adults.  Her curriculum sets are used in educational and cultural institutions around the world.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from National University in San Diego, California.
She is a dynamic sister who utilizes her voice and positive spirit to inspire people around the globe.  She has received critical acclaim for her work. She has authored and illustrated over 40 books, articles and inspirational commentaries and is active in Greater Cincinnati, serving causes that impact women, the arts, and education.
Annie Ruth is the founder of Dada Rafiki, pronounced (DAH-Dah RAH-fee-kee), a celebration of women that acknowledges their contributions through visual art, poetry, song and dance.  Dada Rafiki means “sister friend” in the Kiswahili language of East Africa. She has celebrated, and honored hundreds of women in Cincinnati through art and cultural programming since 2005. Several national venues that she has performed in include Speaking of Women’s Health®, Universal Sisters®, and African American Women on Tour®.
A few of her awards include the Athena International Leadership Award, NAACP Innovative Educator/ Arts Award, YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, Ohio Senate Commendations and U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Recognition. In 2022 she received the Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize for her decades of work, impacting arts in Greater Cincinnati.
(Photography by Nikita Gross)