September Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Save The Date: 2024 Books for Breakfast (B4B)
A New Beginning: Embracing the 2024 School Year with Strength and Gratitude
Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to announce our sixth annual 2024 Books for Breakfast (B4B) fundraiser will be held on November 13, 2024, at the American Swedish Institute (ASI). This annual celebration not only showcases the power of youth voices but also sustains the vital programs at 826 MSP. Stay tuned for more details on how you can become a sponsor and contribute to this impactful event.
As with many nonprofits, we experienced budget shortfalls during the summer, which posed significant challenges for our operations. Despite these difficulties, we are proud to say that we are coming back resilient and committed to continuing our mission to amplify the voices of BIPOC youth. We started our fall youth programming. We continue to offer a range of free writing programs both at our youth writing center and in partnership with local schools. At our center, we provide after-school programs, workshops, and one-on-one tutoring that help students explore creative writing, build literacy skills, and express themselves through storytelling. In schools, we partner directly with educators to deliver in-class writing support and other special projects, giving students the opportunity to publish their work and develop essential writing skills in alignment with classroom goals. These programs are designed to empower BIPOC youth by amplifying their voices and supporting their academic success.
During this time of transition, we also bid farewell to some long-term staff members whose dedication has left an indelible mark on 826 MSP and the students we serve. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Cristeta Boarini, Ellen Fee, Aminah Hussein, and Annie Chen. Their years of service were marked by unwavering commitment, and they embodied the best of 826 MSP, aligning deeply with our mission, vision, and values. These incredible individuals exemplified what it means to empower youth through writing, and we are building on their contributions as we honor their legacy.
As we reflect on the meaningful work of our former staff, we are also excited to introduce the newest members of the 826 MSP team: Derek Davidson and Dan Mullen-Davis. Derek, who has spent two decades in education across Texas, the East Coast, and now Minnesota, joins us as Program Director. His passion for creative writing and education will continue to inspire students to find clarity and catharsis through storytelling. Dan Mullen-Davis, our new Program Manager, brings with him a rich background in teaching, creative writing, and program coordination, making him an invaluable addition to our community.
We are also excited to announce that the keynote speaker for the 2024 Books for Breakfast (B4B) event will be none other than the incredible Matt Eicheldinger! Matt has spent the past fifteen years teaching middle school language arts, shaping young minds through his captivating and relatable approach to storytelling. Beyond the classroom, Matt has built a massive audience on social media, becoming one of the most followed teacher accounts on Instagram with over 80 million views, where his engaging and humorous content resonates with teachers, students, and parents alike. His debut middle grade novel, Matt Sprouts and The Curse of Ten Broken Toes, became an instant USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller, leading him on a nationwide tour for author visits and keynote speeches. We can’t wait for him to share his journey with us at the 2024 B4B event.
We invite you to show your gratitude to our former staff and give a warm welcome to Derek and Dan by Saving the Date for the 2024 Books for Breakfast (B4B). Seating is limited, so grab your ticket today. Interested in sponsoring the event? Please contact me at Jamal@826msp.org.
Let’s continue working together to ensure 826 MSP’s programs thrive for years to come!
In community,
Jamal Adam
Executive Director
