I Want to Write Programs and Events

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I Want to Write Virtual Workshop Series

I Want to Write 2022 Schedule Released
This year's theme: Journey and Transformation

I Want to Write  is a FREE, virtual poetry writing workshop series and performance extravaganza! I Want to Write is held annually during poetry month in April at Tennessee State University.  This year's theme,  Poetic Justice: Journey and Transformation, features workshops inspired by current events and the call for uplift and transformation. Poetry related workshops and events will occur throughout the month and are sponsored by  TSU’s English and Art Departments, Southern Word, TSU Media & Libraries, Regional Authors, and Soul Fire Poetry Organization. Details/Registration here: I Want to Write 2022

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Art Writing Symposium Nov. 14, 2020

Tennessee State University Department of  Art  and Design, Tennessee State University Languages, Literature and Philosophy (LLP), I Want to Write Initiative and Number Inc. invite you to the first annual  Art    Writing    Symposium .  The Art Writing Symposium invites TSU students, local universities, educators, artists, writers and community members to participate. The symposium will offer a space to develop a personal language and provide time for thought and theory to become viable practice.  Learn more and register here:   Art Writing Symposium.  

Art image    Portraits, Poetry and Politics: A Review of 2016

 The LLP and Art departments have collaborated to create a gallery show featuring creative responses to the 2016 election. Students enrolled in Poetry and Art classes explored over a dozen campaign issues before crafting creative responses to the politics they feel affect the lives of millennial voters. The artists produced a series of visual works; the poets wrote ekphrastic poems inspired by the artwork.  Together, the students hope to offer perspective and voice on a campaign that has already had a profound impact on their lives. The opening will be held between 11-2p.m., Monday, Nov. 7, at the Hiram Van Gordan Gallery in the Elliot Building. Their will be a poetry reading at 1 p.m.   For more information, contact Dr. Pinkard.

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of  For Colored Girls

 The month of September marks the 40th anniversary of when For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf  first debuted on Broadway.  This groundbreaking work was the second play written by an African American woman to achieve such a feat. Join us as we screen the film and discuss the impact of Shange’s work in drama, poetry, culture and history. The program will also features live performances honoring the artist and her work.  Here are details:

Date:     Friday, Sept 23, 2016
Time:     Screening starts at 10:30 a.m., Panel and Performances start at 1 p.m.
Where:  LRC 230
Who:     The event is sponsored by Women's Studies and the I Want to Write Initiative.

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I Want to Write Poetry Festival 2016 A Success!  
What's next? Publication of course!  

We are happy to report that I Want to Write 2016 was a blazing success for TSU and the surrounding community. The event is held during poetry month in April at Tennessee State University's main campus.  It featured Poetry Writing and Spoken Word Workshops sponsored by TSU’s English Department, Southern Word, TSU Media & Libraries, Regional Authors, and Soul Fire Poetry Organization.  The event concluded with an open mic and Poetry Slam. Attendees were encouraged to submit their I Want to Write inspired poetry for inclusion in a special Sketches.