March Newsletter
It's spring! Thus far, 2021 is already full of victories and heartbreak, successes and devastating loss. Through it all, our students have been writing, learning, grieving, and using their voices both to process and to escape from current events. Though schools are beginning to re-open, the majority of MPS students are remaining in distance learning. Accordingly, 826 MSP will maintain virtual programming through the end of the school year. We are committed to being a stabilizing and supportive presence in our young writers' lives, and we will keep meeting students where they are.
In the meantime, we are especially excited to share some updates with you about our Young Authors' Book Project program, which, this year, is in partnership with Wise Ink Creative Publishing's Exodus Project. After receiving 18 amazing applications from Black-identifying youth across the Twin Cities, we've selected 10 students to serve on an editorial board. These students are creating a call for writing submissions on themes of identity and liberation, and we will share the finalized guidelines later this spring.
Wise Ink co-founder and 826 board member Dara Beevas met with students to share more about Project Exodus, which is a "cultural reparations program for Black storytellers, artists, creatives, community organizers, and activists who are on the frontlines of helping heal our community." Especially in the wake of the uprisings of the last year, the perspectives of Black youth are more vital than ever in writing our path forward. We are honored to explicitly amplify these voices, and you, as our larger community of readers, are part of this work.
In community,
the 826 MSP crew
Student Spotlight
The horrific gun violence of the last few weeks has been difficult to deal with; it seems there is another tragedy every time we turn on the news. The murders of mostly Asian American women in Atlanta last week also relate to an uptick in violence against Asian Americans as a result of racist rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a history of discrimination and violence against Asian Americans in the US. As 826 MSP's community is vibrant and diverse, we are called to both amplify and protect our young writers and their words. For some solace during this time, we offer Ktru Moo's beautiful poem, "Where I'm From." See the full text and an organizational statement on our blog.
Upcoming Events
826 MSP is closed for Spring Break April 5-9.
YABP Book Release Party on April 30 from 4-5.
Email Ashley to RSVP and/or to pre-order the book!
Supporter Spotlight
We're so grateful to Wise Ink Creative Publishing for their expertise and ongoing partnership. Our upcoming book, Words Unburden Me, will be our fifth Young Authors' Book Project in partnership with Wise Ink. We love learning from you, Wise Ink!