The Hannah Kahn Poetry Foundation, Inc. was born with goals to be true to the highest standards of poetry, ethical standards and moral values exemplified by the late poet Hannah Kahn, a resident of Miami for almost 50 years. Ms. Kahn wrote more than 400 poems, and saw many of them published in two of her own books, Eve's Daughter, and Time, Wait; anthologies and national magazines. She was poetry editor for the Miami Herald for 16 years, and winner of the International sonnet competition of the Poetry Society of Great Britain and America , as well as other national and international awards. She was also a friend, teacher, and mentor to many area poets, and leaves a legacy of humanity and sensitivity that continues to inspire and touch her readers. In 1986, Ms. Kahn was asked by Gwendolyn Brooks to read her own poetry into the Congressional Record at the Library of Congress.

Following her death in 1988, a group of her former students and colleagues established the Hannah Kahn Poetry Foundation, which sponsors poetry readings, scholarships, contests, and worthwhile causes. Ms. Kahn’s poetry was mostly very serious, but her persona was self-effacing, with a keen sense of humor. Her person and her memory have been and are still driving forces in South Florida poetry.

The Hannah Kahn Poetry Foundation has sponsored readings by such renowned poets as Gwendolyn Brooks, Yehuda Amichai, Anthony Hecht, Lyn Lifshin, Marvin Bell, Marilyn Hacker, Dorianne Laux (Jan. 2004), and Qunicy Troupe (Feb. 2004).

The Wild Horse Series, is dedicated toward highlighting local talent, and is named after Ms. Kahn’s famous poem, “Ride a Wild Horse.” We are pleased to have a new home for this series at the NSU Alvin Sherman library.

Foundation Leadership

President: Barbra Nightingale: bnighting@aol.com, 954-961-7126
VP and Treasurer: Magi Schwartz: formsmagi@aol.com

Board Members:

• Marzi Kaplan
• Magi Schwartz
• Joan Mazza
• Lucile Schulklapper
• Gary Kay
• John Childrey
• Richard Ryal
• Fred & Vivian Witkoff
• Lenny DellaRocca
• Jonathan Rose