THE LITERARY ACTIVIST
The mission of #TeenWritersProject is being led by literary activist, high school English teacher, literary commentator and freelance writer, delmetria millener. Born and raised in Louisiana, millener understands the historical and cultural impact that literacy can have on teens. She grew up with books as her refuge, writing as her release and a mom-librarian who consistently read to her, with her, and encouraged her to read all the books she could and write all the stories she could imagine!
Now, as an English teacher, millener also recognizes that teens have become disconnected from the generational pride that writing, reading, social and cultural literacy fostered. They are escaping the powerful inheritances of movements like the Harlem Renaissance, MEChA and the Native American Renaissance, that allowed communities to gain control over the representation of their culture through art, music and literacy.
This disconnection is not without consequence. Over the last 60 years, there has been a systemic decline in literacy, and teens are leading the statistics. This decline in literacy threatens our cultural, professional and social positions. As a solution, #TWP aims to take a practical approach to alleviating the problem by using writing opportunities, book clubs and literary-themed social events to reconnect teens to literacy. We want to give them back the responsibility of storytelling that they are obligated to write. Connect with delmetria to talk writing, books, teens, skating, teaching, business, or to get involved!
Now, as an English teacher, millener also recognizes that teens have become disconnected from the generational pride that writing, reading, social and cultural literacy fostered. They are escaping the powerful inheritances of movements like the Harlem Renaissance, MEChA and the Native American Renaissance, that allowed communities to gain control over the representation of their culture through art, music and literacy.
This disconnection is not without consequence. Over the last 60 years, there has been a systemic decline in literacy, and teens are leading the statistics. This decline in literacy threatens our cultural, professional and social positions. As a solution, #TWP aims to take a practical approach to alleviating the problem by using writing opportunities, book clubs and literary-themed social events to reconnect teens to literacy. We want to give them back the responsibility of storytelling that they are obligated to write. Connect with delmetria to talk writing, books, teens, skating, teaching, business, or to get involved!
KATHLEEN HOULIHAN
(BIO COMING SOON) |
JACQUELINE JEFFERSON-BAILEY
(BIO COMING SOON) |
SHUNTA SPENCER
(BIO COMING SOON) |