ALT From what I gather from those who have studied the history of genocide-its definition and application—there seems to be a pattern. Nation-states, governments seeking legitimacy and identity, seem able and determined to shape themselves by the destruction of a collective "other." When European nations were in thrall to royal consolidation, they were able to act out this slaughter in other countries-African, South American, Asian. Australia and the United States, self-declared republics, required the annihilation of all indigenous peoples if not the usurpation of their land to create their new, democratic state. The fall of communism created a bouquet of new or reinvented nations who measured their statehood by "cleansing" communities. Whether the targets were of different religions, races, cultures-whatever reasons were found first to demonize then to expel or murder them. For an assumed safety, hegemony, or pure land grabs, foreigners were con- structed as the sum total of the putative

ALT This prize is open to writers who identify as BIPOC, of any citizenship, residing in the United States who have published no more than 1 book in any genre.​ We are looking to amplify through poetry the myriad experiences, struggles, triumphs, & aspirations of the diverse narratives within the BIPOC communities. We aim to create a space for solidarity, healing, & empowerment, showcasing the richness & complexity of BIPOC voices in contemporary writing. While there is no specific theme for this book contest, we encourage submissions that reflect on intersectional perspectives, including those that delve into themes of identity, cultural heritage, social justice, resilience, & the nuanced complexities of lived experiences. We encourage genre-breaking /hybrid, speculative, and experimental writing. Inclusion of other languages/ code-switching/meshing is very much welcome as long as the book is largely written in English.