Now, the 1st Tuesday of every month, The Richard Fox Poetry Series is an open- mic with a featured reader.
It honors the memory of the iconic Worcester poet and human-being extraordinaire Richard Fox.
Our next Featured Poet will be the very talented Joanne Johnson on August 5th.
Free admission. On-the-street parking. Root and Press Books and Cafe has an awesome array of food and beverages and an expanded book selection at their new location.
Sign up for the open mic at
am9lc3llbGxvd3BhZCB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t. Limited spots available.
Sponsored by the 'Fox Fund' (Worcester County Poetry
Association).
Joanne Johnson is a lifelong writer, educator, and community advocate based in Worcester, Massachusetts. A graduate of Fairport High School and Bridgewater State College, Joanne brings compassion, insight, and creativity to everything she does. Her work spans decades of poetry, storytelling, and active involvement in local initiatives.
Joanne is the author of *An Imperfect Journey*, a collection of poems that explores love, family, resilience, and the beauty of everyday life. Much of her poetry is shaped by the life of her son Joey, who was deaf-blind and lived with multiple disabilities. His journey profoundly influenced Joanne’s voice, infusing her writing with empathy, strength, and an unshakable sense of purpose. Through her work, she honors Joey’s memory and continues to advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and the dignity of every individual.
She has shared her poetry at community events including the Worcester County Poetry Association’s 'Poetry in the Garden' series, Open Mic at The Mill and Root and Press. Her work has also been featured in *Worcester Magazine* several times reflecting her deep connection to the city and its people.
Joanne lives in Worcester with her husband, Joseph Johnson, where they continue to support community causes and share in creative expression.
Joanne has two children, Joey and Matthew. Joey died on December 15, 2021 from complications of Leukodystrophy. Matthew is 35 and lives in North Attleboro, Ma..
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