Poetry at McLeod

In this innovative series, African American poets reclaim the plantation landscape by exploring the past, present, future, and the imagined in their own voices. Often representing pain, suffering, survival, and perseverance, these poets confirm that plantations are places of conscience. One poet recalled, "Reading poems where my ancestors were was a return. On their behalf, I was returning with power. It belongs to them. I would be a part of reclaiming it."

Join Us!

  • Poetry at McLeod is free to the first 50 participants, thereafter entry is included with your park admission. No preregistration is required. 
  • Writing workshops the following day are also free but space is limited so preregistration is required.
  • Not able to attend in person? Our Poetry at McLeod series is also broadcasted live via our Facebook page!


  1. Poetry at McLeod: 10/9
  2. Poetry Workshop: 10/10
  3. Poetry at McLeod: 11/13
  4. Poetry Workshop: 11/14

Poetry at McLeod: Grace C. Ocasio

October 9, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

No registration is required for this event.Image of Grace Ocasio

Join poet Grace C. Ocasio as she reclaims the plantation landscape with a poetry reading of her own works. A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee, Ocasio was a finalist in the 2016 Aesthetica Creative Writing Award in Poetry and was a recipient of the 2014 North Carolina Arts Council Regional Artist Project Grant.


This series is made possible by the generous support of The Poetry Society of South Carolina, the SC Humanities Council, the Charleston County Public Library, and the Charleston County Parks Foundation.