Whose on my Side? A Day at the Theatre

Students from the workshop were invited to see the play, "Whose on my Side" the adaption from the book. Writer, Director and Producer Keshawn Dodds [who's also the author of the book] previously spoke with students about his life and the transformational power that it held, because of his faith, determination and positive attitude. The play showed many elements of this and we were very happy to be a part!

Thanks Keshawn for everything!!!

Special thanks to my students for taking the time out on Saturday afternoons to come read, write and explore the endless possibilities when we just take a moment to express ourselves through the arts!!!

Until next time!!!

Mara Hunter, Facilitator
Paul Laurence Dunbar Expressive Writing Program

Make A Story From These...

Hey Guys...

I didnt know how else to do this so im doing it as a comment my apologies ...im pretty sure you guys remember when we picked out headlines from various newspapers that we liked or were interested in to make a story from so here they are...Romney santorum make final push for Illinois, Oprah Winfrey network layoffs, E X official waits for fraud trial, Uptown dreams,How to overcome obstacles, My tribute to the greatest, When women forget who they are, Is it better to have loved then lost then never to have loved at all?, OP-ED the big C;KO'd by love, four years later, integration....so there you go guys im sorry im a little late im still not in full control of this computer but i got it this time so there you go and see you all hopefully next saturday ! :)

~Angie~

Walking for Justice, Writing for Change

 Trayvon Martin lost his life on February 26th, when neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman shot and killed him as he was making his way back from the store to his father's house in a gated community. Zimmerman claimed he looked "suspicious" as he walked with his hood up, due to the rain. Zimmerman called the police to report what he thought was an intruder to the area and after being told not to pursue this individual, he disregarded the prompt and continued to follow the 17-year old. When he finally made contact, a confrontation resumed, ultimately consuming the life of this unarmed, black teen boy. Taken in for questioning after the shooting, George was never arrested and formally charged with the murder even after confessing...Why? Because of the plea of self defense. Using the state's Stand Your Ground law, he was able to walk right out of the police station, while Trayvon will never be able to walk again. The outrage prompted many marches, rallies and protests across the nation, with global support for the family of Trayvon.



On Saturday, March 31st, our writing class students were invited to participate in the 1,000 Hoodies Walk for Trayvon Martin in downtown, Springfield, MA. Because so many were touched by this story and wanted to show local support, over 1,000 men, women and children came out to support the March for Justice. Families, college, high school and elementary students, professors, business leaders, politicians, the young, the old and many, many community supporters came out and represented what unity can look like when we join together for a common cause. 
We wanted to send a message, one of hope and support, the other to our local elected officials that we will not allow the "Stand Your Ground" law to be passed and implemented in the state of Massachusetts. What happened to Trayvon, can and has happened in many states and we're saying enough is enough. The laws were made to protect the citizens of this country, not those who violate them and try to take them into their own hands. Trayvon was indeed a victim of racial profiling and the negative perception that is portrayed on TV and videos of our young minority men. The preconceived notion that wearing a hood and walking while black is a crime or one in progress is ridiculous and unjust. It is time for the conversation on race relations...You know, the one that many avoid.




Our young people need to know that they can make a difference, they can make a change and yes, it will take more than just a walk. But at least it's a starting point to engage the community, to allow those to be their own advocates for justice. Movement in the right direction is an action that will lead to exaltation, a place where we long to be as a people. A place where we all can be free and  it takes these very people coming together to stand for what's right, because it we don't stand for something, we will fall for anything! Stay tuned as our students will be sharing their experiences on this tragedy, what it means to them and ways that we as Americans can come together to change the face of racism. Our very existence depends on it.

Mara Hunter

My Experience with Author Keshawn Dodds by Mara Hunter

Last week was a great and very inspirational class as the young writers listened to the journey of guest author, poet and playwright, Keshawn Dodds. He joined us for 2 hours and engaged the students with his story, gave some helpful tips and talked about faith, life and his passion for creating. His expressive writing style allowed him to capture the essence of his best friend whom lost his life to cancer at an earlier age. "Menzuo: In the Calling of the Sun Prince" is a black superhero, that discovers his powers here in Springfield, MA and helps for justice to prevail in the fight between good and evil. Keshawn also talked about his new book "Whose On My Side: The Story of Kalen Brown" which he turned into a stage play, which is scheduled to debut on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at AIC's Theatre. Check out the many experiences displayed on our blog by my students. What a great class! Thank you Keshawn for lending your talents, gift and time!!!

Mara Hunter

My Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Illesha Harris

My experience last week was very inspirational. I felt that I could understand and relate to everything that he said and how he first talked about his life to us and gradually went into other life lessons and experiences that inspired him to be a writer. It made me more comfortable to hear that I wasn't the only one that went through certain experiences as a writer.(such as writers block).

Illesha Harris

My Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Johnnae Vernon

My Experience last week with Mr. Dodds was very inspirational. I felt that I could understand and relate to everything he was saying to us as youth. I loved how he first talked about his life to us and gradually went into other life lessons and experiences that inspired him to be a writer. It made me more comfortable to hear that I wasn't the only one that went through certain experiences as a writer.

                                                                                        
                                                                                                                           Johnnae Vernon

My Experience with Author, Keshawn Dodds by Troivahn Clemons

 Last week we met Keyshawn  Dodds, he  talked  about  being in  charcter  with  your  book. Then  he  talked   to  us   about  what  his   play  was going to be  about. It  was  exciting  how  he explained  your book  can be in the same category  but  totally  different. I  hope  I  meet  him  again!

By Troivahn Clemons