Digital Collections

The Prostitutes of Nairobi

Details

Call NumberWH2274-2016-222CreatorHershey, Laura A., 1962-2010ContributorChurch, RobDateJuly 6-7, 1991SummaryTwenty-two poems written and recorded by Laura Hershey."This poetry reading was recorded late into the nights of July 6 and 7, 1991, in Portland, OR... I wish to thank Rob Church for contributing his time and skill to this project. Additional thanks to Robin Stephens, Sharon Baggett, Faye and Richard Hershey, John Hershey, Robin and Roger Wiggin, Trish Donahue, Tamara Guyton, Rebecca Waters, and Linda Besant – all of whom played significant roles in making this tape/recording possible – and to Marie Cartier, who encouraged me to write about Nairobi. In July 1985, the world's women met in Nairobi, Kenya, to mark the end of the United Nations Decade for Women. This was a time of problem-solving, peace-making, grass-roots organizing, and profound sharing as women took on the difficult task of creating understanding across vast political, cultural and social differences. For me and other women with disabilities, there were additional challenges – lack of access, and sometimes lack of awareness on the part of others at the conference – but also great rewards, as we came together to share our mutual and diverse experiences. The poems on this tape describe encounters with diversity, sisterhood, alienation, hope, poverty, women's power, women's struggles – and ultimately, with myself." -cassette sleeve and compact disc inlay. Produced by Rob Church, and read by Laura Hershey.Physical Description1 audiocassette (46:33)1 color photographic print1 transcript : 31 pagesSubjectPoetry--CollectionsPeople with disabilities, Writings of, AmericanAmerican poetryWomen authorsWomen with disabilities--International cooperationHershey, Laura A., 1962-2010Finding Aidhttps://archives.denverlibrary.org/repositories/3/resources/7399Digital Version Created FromOriginal recordings held by Denver Public LibraryOriginal Material Found in CollectionWH2274. Laura Hershey papersRepositoryCentral LibraryNotesContents: Introduction (00:37) -- Arrival (00:15) -- Welcome (01:28) -- On the Lawn (07:30) -- The Prostitutes of Nairobi (01:55) -- The Sweet-Seller (03:28) -- Allegiance (01:11) -- And She Will Also Want to Draw the Water (03:32) -- A Mother Tells (02:36) -- Burdens (00:50) -- Postcard Woman (01:50) -- Lunch Break (02:43) -- Honor (02:20) -- If Women (02:18) -- To Move (00:55) -- Sparks (01:58) -- The Ice Lizard (02:24) -- A Poem Meant To Be Whispered (01:02) -- Ghost (00:54)-- Hunger (01:22) -- Pain Too (00:40) -- A One Time Offer (01:22) -- A Day For Robin Stephens (03:13)DonorGift, Robin Stephens, 2013, 2016, and 2023.CollectionWestern Voices

Document (PDF)

The Prostitutes of Nairobi poems

Portrait of Laura Hershey seated by her desk