This presentation, inspired by a series of guided writing workshops on verse journalism, includes discussion and sharing of poems by JOT writers from the Albany Park, Bee, Bezazian, Hall, King, and Mabel Manning Branch libraries. The presentation also features award-winning writer and teacher Quraysh Ali Lansana and is directed by storyteller and educator Zahra Baker.

Neighborhood Writing Alliance programming represents the richness, complexity, and the diversity of the Chicago arts and literary community. NWA provides ongoing opportunities for adults in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods to engage in the literary arts through writing workshops, the publication of the Journal of Ordinary Thought (JOT), and readings and events.

In April 2012, WBEZ collaborated with Neighborhood Writing Alliance to record and publish a series of Verse Journalism pieces in celebration of National Poetry Month. You can hear the entire collection here.