USM Stonecoast MFA Joins NAACP Portland Branch to Observe 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Focus on Writing
December 30, 2009
CONTACT:
Rachel Talbot Ross
(207) 253-5074 NAACP office
(207) 210-1052 cell
naacpportland@gmail.com
http://www.portlandmlk.net/
The NAACP Portland Branch offered community members a chance to participate in “Reading, Writing and the Engaged Community,” a series of reading and writing workshops focused on social justice. Held in association with the USM Stonecoast Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing MFA program, adult writers of all levels and styles were invited to participate in instructive workshops that combine reading and discussion of King’s most important correspondence, sermons, publications and speeches. Participants then wrote their own reflections on the readings, coached by Stonecoast students and alumni. The written work may take the form of a journal entry, short story, poem, play, speech, sermon or narrative statement which will be presented to the public 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 15 at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport.
The media is invited to join the group during their last workshop on
Saturday, January 2.
What: “Reading, Writing and the Engaged Community” – Community writing workshop celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led by USM Stonecoast MFA students and alumni.
Time/Date: 9 a.m.-11:30 AM, Saturday, January 2.
Location: Wishcamper Center, USM’s Portland campus.
In addition to this series, “Why King Matters Now,” a writing program for young people was developed to explore the meaning of King’s legacy today and to help participants improve their writing skills. Workshops took place in December at community centers in Kennedy Park, Parkside, Riverton and Sagamore Village. This series is presented in association with Maine Interfaith Youth Alliance, Portland Housing Authority, The Telling Room, and USM’s Office of Community Engagement.
The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers its 10,000 plus students more than 115 areas of undergraduate and graduate study. USM’s location in southern Maine, a region cited as one of the most liveable in the country, offers a range of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.
