November Newsletter
Anti-Racism as Actions not Afterthoughts
Dear Community,
Anti-racist educational practices have always been integral to our success with young writers. This November, we've focused on bringing more of our community—youth and adult authors, educators, volunteers, and donors—into this conversation. Books for Breakfast (at home!) 2020 and two learning opportunities with volunteers and youth allowed us to gather together virtually to put our values in practice, to make anti-racism an action rather than afterthought, and to talk more specifically about what this means across our various identities.
On November 6 and November 20, 826 MSP staff, 25 volunteers, and 5 youth from our Writers' Room Advisory Council gathered to discuss Anti-Racism 101 and White Supremacy in the Workplace/School. We started with introductions and each person shared something that has surprised them from our programs. Check out some of the responses below:
"What surprised me was the amount of leadership opportunities available. I'm a natural born leader. It's nice to have a supportive group of people that I see every week." Lucy, grade 11
"People are showing up to after-school things [even during distance learning]...Absolutely what students want is a space connected to school that's more than a school space." Kinsley, grade 12
If you weren't able to join us on 11/19, here is a recording of our second annual and first-ever-virtual Books for Breakfast event!
On November 19, nearly 150 people gathered together virtually for Books for Breakfast (at home!) focused on Anti-Racism in Education. We heard from local educators, 826 MSP's young writers, guest author Marlon James, and even heard the premiere of a new song by Maria Isa. We discussed tenets of anti-racist education such as relationship building, relevance, and representation. We heard directly from students who felt empowered to participate fully in our programs. We even heard about an "epic farter" through a reading by Marlon James. (If that last line confuses you, check out the recording of the event above.)
In total, we raised almost $25,000 in support of our continued anti-racist educational practices via distance learning. We are honored to use all aspects of our work, including fundraising and communications, to achieve our mission, create learning opportunities, and amplify youth voice.
Student Spotlight
Sela reading her poem "Cultures" at Books for Breakfast. This piece is published in our December 2019 chapbook, Carry Our Words.
Product Spotlight
Gift giving season is right around the corner, and the Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute has you covered! Head over to our online store to outfit all the amazing writers and readers (on-land or under-the-sea!) in your life.
Upcoming Events
826 MSP is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday November 25 - 27.
Young Authors' Council students from all across the 826 network will have a Q&A with Jason Reynolds on December 1!
Giving Tuesday is December 1. Donate here!
TBD volunteer appreciation game night. Email Ellen if you're interested!
826 MSP is closed for winter break December 21 - January 1.
