Local Authors Visit Our Writers' Room

By Writers’ Room Manager Annie Chen

When I first started at 826 MSP as the new Writers’ Room Manager (almost 6 months ago) one of my favorite things was the amount of students who would introduce themselves and say “You’re going to see a lot of me in here!” I even had one student interview me and ask me what changes I planned on making to the space to match my personal style. I told him I could see how special this space was to students already, and how honored I was to inherit something with such importance. That I wanted to learn from the space and see how my personal style could enhance it. He seemed satisfied with my answer and left shortly after. As I am storming and norming in my new role, one place that I look for guidance is the members of WRAC, some of whom have helped lead the Writers' Room for years.

Last month, Laura Mann Hill–an alumna of South High class of 2002–came to talk about the process of writing her first screenplay Inspired by Claudette and Rosa. She also shared her experiences as an arts organizer, an actor and trusting your instincts as a BIPOC person as we navigate predominantly white creative spaces. Laura was interviewed by WRAC members Nabiila and Nawal, as she shared her story as an interdisciplinary artist with a focus on social justice. 

Our first author visit of the school year was held in December and featured artist and poet Heather C. Lou who facilitated a zine making workshop for students. 

The Writers’ Room at South High School is 826 MSP’s satellite location focused on centering BIPOC students, providing writing help and safe space to land during the school day. Learn more about it and other 826 MSP programs here.

Upcoming Author Visits in the Writers’ Room:

March

Jaida Grey Eagle- Photojournalist for the Sahan Journal

Junauda Petrus- Author of award winning book “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them”

April

Briana Gwin and Chantz Erolin- Publishers’ Panel

Do-Hyoung Park- Minnesota Twins beat reporter for MLB

May

Bao Phi- Spoken Word Artist and Writer

Mahamed Salad- Poet and Actor