Writing Our Future
Two years ago I attended the Community-Word Project benefit, an event that woke me up, that made me realize that I live in a big, pretty bubble, that there is indeed life, important and complicated life, and learning, outside this bubble.
Last year. Last year Little Girl was new on the scene, an itty-bitty thing, and I could not go to this event, but this year, next week, I am going. And I am not just going. No. This year I am co-chairing this wonderful evening for the Community-Word Project an organization about which I have come to care deeply.
The Community-Word Project (CWP) is a New York City based arts-in-education organization that inspires children in underserved communities to read, interpret and respond to their world and to become active citizens through collaborative arts residencies and teacher training programs.
These kids who will come and perform? They are absolutely amazing. And their stories are heartbreaking and real and eye-opening. I hope those of you who are in the Manhattan area will consider purchasing a ticket for this 12th Annual Benefit - "Writing Our Future" - on this coming Monday night, April 2, 2012 at 6:30pm at Bonham's. The program will feature readings by Brooklyn Poet Laureate Tina Chang and Broadway and TV star Cheyenne Jackson, performances by Community Word students, and a silent and live auction of fabulous art and non-art items. Actor Dion Graham will serve as master of ceremonies. Please click here for all information, to purchase tickets or make a donation.
If you do not live in or around New York City, I encourage you to send this information to those you know who do and might be interested in attending this important event. And please take a moment and click over to the Community-Word website to learn a little more about the incredibly meaningful work this organization does to help so many kids.
The murals these kids make (featured herein) are beautiful and evocative. And I will leave you with three poems these kids have composed. Read them. Let the words and hopes and fears sink into your skin. Realize. Realize how much you have, sitting and staring at your computer screen, wherever it is you are. Realize how much your kids have. Feel your good fortune. And think about helping out.
Thanks, all! Hope to see some of you on Monday!
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Do you have kids of your own? Do they enjoy art? Do you ever stop to realize how many privileges and opportunities your kids enjoy at home and at school? Aren't these murals and these poems amazing?