GREENVILLE, S.C. - s4story -- In celebration of National Poet's Day (August 21), poet and founder of White Girl Advocacy LLC, Melissa Whiteford St. Clair will honor Harriet Tubman with a poetry reading featuring poems from her third book of poetry, "Origins + Crossroads Poems Traversing Time with the Intrepid Harriet Tubman" on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts, 826 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540. The poetry reading is free and open to the public and will be followed by a brief book signing.

Whiteford St. Clair was a 20+ year resident of Jacksonville-Onslow during her husband's multiple tours to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune while on active duty with the United States Marine Corps.

Origins + Crossroads traces the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman alongside moments where history and a poet's personal journey intersect. Through poetry rooted in courage, faith, and freedom, the past speaks powerfully into the present.

The book is comprised of four sections: Origins, Crossroads, Underground Railroad, and Starshine. Published by Rebecca A. Outlaw of Tickle Mites LLC with Foreward written by Dr. Lynne Maureen Hurdle-Price, Creator, On the Matter of Race Program, Speaker, Author, and Conflict Resolution Coach.

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"Putting down roots in South Carolina, I found myself emotionally affected by the rise in social injustice in the United States and dedicated myself to learning more about racism and systemic racism." stated Whiteford St. Clair. She continued, "Digging into my Maryland roots connected me to Harriet Tubman, who was born enslaved on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Dorchester County. My whole journey for social justice advocacy has been electrified by Harriet Tubman's heroic flight to freedom, her faith and connection with God, her resilience, her selfless and relentless pursuit to help others."

Below is an introductory poem.

In Deep

Ankles deep... I go on the journey

Knee deep... I pray for equity

Hip deep... I run to the truth

Waist deep... I wade in the water

Chest deep... I feel my heart drum

Shoulders deep... I carry on

Head deep... I use my words to reach

More information about the event may be found at https://jaxartsnc.org/events/origins-crossroads.

"Origins + Crossroads" is available for purchase online anywhere books are sold. Full details of the book can be found on the White Girl Advocacy Bookshelf at https://whitegirladvocacy.com/book-shelf.

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A portion of the proceeds from each book will be donated to The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, 424 Race Street, Cambridge, Maryland.

Other books by Melissa Whiteford St. Clair:

"Home Work A Collection of Poems Sparked by One White Woman's Journey on the Matter of Race"

"Heart Work A Heart-Centered Collection of Poems"

"White Girl Homework"

About Melissa Whiteford St. Clair:

Melissa Whiteford St. Clair shares her mission of arts + advocacy, a message of unity and creativity through poetry workshops, poetry readings, and talks. Connect with the author on social media @whitegirladvocacy. Unique hashtag: #whitegirlhomework

About Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts:

The Council for the Arts is dedicated to promoting, educating, and showcasing the diverse and vibrant world of the arts in our community. The Council for the Arts is affiliated with the North Carolina Arts Council. Visit on the web at https://jaxartsnc.org/. Unique hashtag: #KeepOnslowCreative

Book trailer: https://youtu.be/kEeWH61BrLY?si=pIO-vk32OjNre-Tu