April Newsletter

Dear Friends, 

A Season of Stories, Support, and Celebration
It’s been a vibrant season at 826 MSP, and I’m thrilled to share that all of our youth writing programs are thriving. From the Afterschool Writing Lab (ASWL) to our In-School Workshops and the Young Authors Council (YAC), our students are building skills, finding their voices, and publishing their words. This spring alone, we’ve produced 28 student-written booklets through our Writing Field Trip program, 1 chapbook from ASWL, and we have 2 full-length books and 2 more chapbooks currently in production.

We couldn’t have done any of this without your belief in our mission. Your support is the reason these young authors are being seen, heard, and celebrated.
Now, we invite you to join us again for one of our most joyful traditions:

Save the Date!
Eighth Annual Trivia for Cheaters
Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Forgotten Star Brewing Co., Fridley, MN

This isn't your average trivia night. Hosted by the beloved Trivia Mafia, Trivia for Cheaters is a high-energy, pub-style trivia fundraiser where teams raise money to earn in-game “Cheat Cash.” That cash buys hilarious advantages—like hints, phone-a-friend time, and even stealing another team’s answers. The more your team raises, the more you can cheat your way to victory! Think of it as trivia meets Monopoly meets mischief—for a good cause.

And yes, there are amazing prizes: from Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota United and Twins game tickets, memberships to Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Art Institute and swag bags from Forgotten Star Brewing Co., and other amazing gifts.

Visit 826 MSP 2025 Trivia for Cheaters  to build your team or donate to help a team cheat (for good) and Use our 2025 Fundraising Kit to email or post on your social media and collect donations. The more you raise, the more cheats you unlock for the event! Cheats can give you an edge in the competition, like skipping a tough question or getting a hint.

On a personal note, Yasmin and I welcomed our daughter, Laila, nearly three months ago—our first child. Becoming a parent has only deepened my sense of purpose. As I watch her grow, I’m more committed than ever to uplifting the voices of young people, because they are the storytellers and changemakers of tomorrow.

Thank you for continuing to invest in 826 MSP. And thank you to our incredible team and board who carried the work forward while I was on leave. It’s a gift to come back to such momentum and heart.

With deep gratitude,
Jamal Adam
Executive Director, 826 MSP

826 MSP Receives Vital Support from State and Community Partners

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.