The Utrecht Pigeon

July 25, 2026

In September 2023, I founded The Utrecht Pigeon to empower young voices, because I noticed that many of my peers had unique stories to tell that were going unheard. Providing teens this platform to share their perspectives was our mission, and I’m proud knowing that we remained true to it.

But these young voices are not young anymore. We’re in college now pursuing the next chapters of our lives, as the distance of time and space lengthens between us. With that, it's time to close this book, and watch the new stories that will come out of it.

The Utrecht Pigeon was more than a high school lit mag. It became a movement – grassroots activism in motion – that left lasting social, educational, and environmental impacts on our local community. Impact is something which transcends organizations: it's a spirit we take with us throughout our lives, to make a difference wherever we can, wherever we go.

The Pigeon inspired teens, instilling them with the confidence to carry their stories forward and share them with others. I know in my heart that the many talented young people who were a part of this mission will help foster a better world.

I'm excited for what the future holds-and what new projects I can be a part of!

With love, Michael O’Hare, Editor-in-Chief

About Us

Founded by a team of high school students in 2023, The Utrecht Pigeon was a magazine that amplified the voices of unheard communities, ordinary people, and their emerging talents. The magazine captivated readers with its collection of intricate stories and compelling poetry, with new volumes of the magazine released seasonally.

Our mascot was Angel the Messenger Pigeon.

New Utrecht High’s ‘Pigeon’ soars: Student paper amplifies unheard voices through poetry and activism • Brooklyn Paper

A lasting impact.

The poignant collection of stories we curated uplifted hearts to the resonant impression of the written word, and The Pigeon was a consistent advocate for our local neighborhood of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. We take pride in these accomplishments and our community impact.

100 Objects of Bensonhurst: Unclaimed and Unnamed
Published May 23, 2026 || An urban archival project by Michael O'Hare

Over the winter, I collected photographs of found objects from the streets and sidewalks of Bensonhurst. My goal was to preserve these snapshots and I've begun to do so in my own poetry. I think these discarded — "unclaimed and unnamed" — objects can offer us insight into ownership, the lost and found, and our broader, modern urban streetscape that's emerged from consumption habits and movement. Visit the gallery here.