April Newsletter
"My heart and my voice are from my ancestors. I have the power to speak up for my ancestors." – Hawi
"Writing and education is a collective experience...This book is an opportunity to unlearn the negativity associated with being an EL (English Learning) student." – Angelica Torralba-Olague
"All of these youths’ words being a force of fire, coming together not to burn in pain but to create light and warmth for a new beginning." – Maria Isa
Dear Friend,
If you weren't able to join us last Friday to celebrate the release of Words Unburden Me, the quotes above give a preview of some of the incredible conversations that we had with our panel. The adult panelists spoke from the perspective of their "inner students" and, as guest artist Maria Isa described, the student authors in the book wrote from their "inner abuelas" and "inner elders." We also heard readings from Hawi, Maria Clara Flores, Stephanie Ponce Delgado, and Soly. Thank you to all who joined us, and we encourage everyone to view the recording here. We also invite you to pre-order the book that's been described as "the new testament of Minneapolis, la limpia, la cura" (Maria), "a healing process" (Angelica), and "an eye opener" (Hawi).
To further contribute to the collective experience that is writing and education, we ask you to make a meaningful gift to 826 MSP during SpringForwardMN, May 1-11! Our goal is to raise $5,000 toward our age-specific summer programs (tailored hybrid learning for 5 & 6 year olds, elementary students, and middle/high school-age youth). These funds will also help cover student stipends for our emerging leaders in Young Authors' Book Project and the Young Authors' Council.
Writing is empowering. Publishing is empowering. And giving can be empowering. As we wrap up a school year in which our programs and students have had to stretch more than we ever thought possible, we invite you to make a stretch gift today and know that you are supporting youth like Hawi in learning the power of their voices.
In community,
the 826 MSP crew
Student Spotlight
Stephanie read two pieces during our release party last week. Listen to her other piece here and pre-order Words Unburden Me today!
Upcoming Events
SpringForwardMN is happening NOW! Donate to 826 MSP by May 11!
826 MSP office is closed May 31 for Memorial Day
SAVE THE DATE! Our fifth-annual Trivia for Cheaters will be on June 24! More details to come soon.
Product Spotlight
Get your copy of Words Unburden Me today! Better yet, email Ashley to buy a class set in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week!
Supporter Spotlight
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week and special thanks to all the educators we have partnered with in the 20-21 school year! ID: Thank you to our teacher partners! Special thanks to Mary Manor, Angelica Torralba-Olague, Farah Hussein, Carmen Vanegas, Qorsho Hassan, Max Delgado, Allison Witham, Theodore Fabel, Courtney Antonne, Alexei Moon Casselle, Leyla Suleiman, and field trip teachers.