Press Release: Library Hosts Discussion and Workshop Series Focused on Writing Race

News Release — DC Public Library

For Immediate Release

October 15, 2020

Media Contacts:

George Williams

(Washington, D.C.) – Writing has the ability to provoke discussion. But how does a person writing about race ensure that they honestly communicate the complexities of race? The DC Public Library has planned “Writing Race – Confronting Racism and Celebrating Writers of Color,” a weekend of workshops designed to help current and aspiring writers master their craft while tackling race and racism. The schedule of event is: 

Thursday, Oct. 22

7 p.m.

A Conversation with Lonnie Bunch

Join us for a conversation with Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). In conversation with Dana Williams of Howard University, Secretary Bunch will discuss his book A Fool’s Errand, the founding of NMAAHC and his leadership role at the Smithsonian.

Friday, Oct. 23

7 p.m

Triggers and Smoke: A Spoken Word Reading on Race

On Friday, come for a live poetry-reading and discussion with Capturing Fire, the International Queer Spoken Word Slam. Lead by DC poet Regie Cabico, this reading breaks down the smoke and triggers from racial microaggressions that have accumulated over the last several decades. Poets will share candid work in regards to their own struggle to navigate appropriation, assault and hate in the current moment. Cabico moderates the post-reading discussion with poets Micah Powell, Mia S. Willis and Farah C. Yamini.

Saturday, Oct. 24, Writing Race Workshops and Author Talks

11 a.m.

Nana Akua Goes to School with Tricia Elam Walker

Join us for a special story time and discussion with local writer and Howard University professor Tricia Elam Walker about her new picture book Nana Akua Goes to School. After reading from the book, Walker will discuss her writing process and how she wrote the book.

1 p.m.

The Black and the Blue: A Discussion with Matthew Horace and Ron Harris

Matthew Horace, with co-author Ron Harris of The Black and the Blue, will discuss the racial injustice in law enforcement, the writing process for this book and their work as social justice writers.

2:30 p.m.

Playwriting Workshop with Mosaic Theater of Washington, DC

Interested in playwriting? Join us for a workshop with our partners Mosaic Theater of Washington, DC focused on creating theater about and by D.C. residents. A Mosaic Theater staff member will lead participants in exercises focused on capturing neighborhood identity and history.

3:30 p.m.

Triggers and Smoke: A Spoken Word Poetry Workshop with Regie Cabico

Join us for a very special poetry workshop with D.C. poet Regie Cabico. We will channel our powerful selves and ask what makes up our identities and also examine how we interact daily within worlds that create friction when we are not seen or heard. We will navigate where we are now and find sentience and solace as we write poems to heal and move through the unquenchable fires of this pandemic. We will look at works by Ashley M. Jones, Nikki Giovanni and Danez Smith. Be prepared to write and share your poems in a nurturing environment.

The workshops and discussions will be available online. Links to the events can be found by visiting https://www.dclibrary.org/writingrace. Writing Race – Confronting Racism and Celebrating Writers of Color is made possible with support from the DC Public Library Foundation.

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