Torrance Harvey, 49, of Newburgh, recently released, "America, America!" a collection of his poems described as an "open letter to our nation," according to an announcement from his publisher, Dorrance Publishing Co.

CITY OF NEWBURGH - He's a performer, a mayor, a teacher and a poet.

Torrance Harvey, 49, of Newburgh, recently released, "America, America!" a collection of his poems described as an "open letter to our nation," according to an announcement from his publisher, Dorrance Publishing Co.

Harvey is mayor of the city of Newburgh and he teaches history at Newburgh Free Academy, the city's public high school.

This marks his second published book of poems. It was preceded by "Ya Sankofa," published in 2017, a collection of 20 poems by Harvey exploring his genealogy and cultural roots leading back to Africa.

His newest compilation of writings explore race, class, social justice and the pandemic, Harvey said in an interview Thursday.

"Sometimes, when I write and I reflect and process whatever is going on, sometimes it helps me have a clear vision for what needs to happen legislatively to move the city forward," Harvey said.