The Narrative 4 story exchange (international) and the House of Speakeasy Foundation (NYC) visit Philadelphia to deliver a free writing workshop, a public poetry reading, and an opportunity to browse and take (a limited number) of published works from the House of Speakeasy Bookmobile.

Schedule:

Slam Poetry Workshop | 2:00 pm Heim Center West - Room 131/132

Slam poetry as we know it originated in Chicago during the Eighties, where local poet and construction worker Mark Kelly Smith, began hosting weekly poetry slam competitions as a way of revitalizing the form and bringing poetry back to the people whom he felt had lost their connection to the art. If you love words, writing, and performing, then this workshop is for you. If you have something weighing on your heart you’ve been wanting to say, then come share.  You do not need to have ever written a poem to attend. All you need to bring is a notebook, a pen, and your most courageous self. Rayna Guy, poet, English Instructor, and Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, will lead the workshop, which is open to people ages 14 and older. RSVP here.

Poetry Reading/Slam featuring Philadelphia’s 2018-19 Poet Laureate Raquel Solas Rivera | 4:00 p.m. Heim Center East - Room 130

All are welcome to attend an open-mic poetry reading/slam, at which writing workshop participants will share their creations from the workshop alongside Raquel Solas Rivera, the 2018-19 Poet Laureate of Philadelphia.  Raquel Salas Rivera is a bilingual Puerto Rican poet who writes in Spanish and English, focusing on the experience of being a migrant to the United States and of identifying as a queer Puerto Rican and Philadelphian of non-binary gender. This reading is free and open to the public.  If you plan to attend, please RSVP here.

House of Speakeasy Bookmobile | Celebration at 5:00 p.m. 1901 Wood St immediately behind the Parkway Central Library

House of Speakeasy has converted a 27-foot box truck into a mobile library, which will make a stop at the Parkway Central Library from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. on its journey from New York to New Orleans. Everyone will have the opportunity to browse books by the readers, as well as books selected by local teachers and librarians. A limited number of books will be given out to participating students.