Dear John,
We are excited to share that this year's featured artist at the Evening for the Environment is Samaa Abdurraqib and the featured speaker is Pete Maysmith.
Samaa's poetry can be found in Cider Press Review, december magazine, and Obsidian: Literature and Arts in the African Diaspora. She’s the editor of From Root to Seed: Black, Brown, and Indigenous Poets Write the Northeast (2023). She has been supported by residencies at Hewnoaks and Monson Arts. Her most recent chapbook, Towards a Retreat, will be published by Diode Editions in 2025.
Pete has been at the forefront of environmental leadership for over 30 years, fighting for clean air, clean water, protecting public lands, and a safe climate and environment for all. Earlier this year, he became the 7th president of the powerhouse advocacy organization League of Conservation Voters which influences policy, holds politicians accountable, and wins elections in order to create safe and healthy communities protected by a just and equitable democracy.
After Pete shares how LCV is holding the defensive line for environmental justice at the national level, Maine advocates, Francis Eanes, Lucy Hochschartner, Kaya Lolar, and Adam Nordell will share short stories about the progress we are making here in Maine.
Please join us for a special evening of community, conversation, and connection. It will be so wonderful to be together for our 23rd Evening for the Environment!
Date: October, 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: UNE, Innovation Hall, 772 Stevens Ave, Portland
