This National Black Poetry Day
We Celebrate & Support
The Voices We All Need to Hear
In the Girls Write Now Collaboratory—our home for connecting and creating—mentors and mentees embark on “Journeys”, which are tailored experiences combining writing, mentoring, and community that we approach through all genres, media, topics, and disciplines.
To celebrate National Black Poetry Day, we proudly feature Black poets, and our Poetry Journey that supports them, anchored by the writing course Revolutionary Poetics: Black Poetry in the American Canon. In a world where Black voices are too often marginalized and silenced, our Poetry Journeys provide a space for young people to tap into their truths, create boldly, and find healing in the power of their words.
Please join us in honoring the Black poets we serve across the nation by generously donating today. Your gift will not only change the trajectory of a young writer’s Journey—but uplift an entire generation we all must hear.
Your Donation Supports…
Journeys
Each Journey is a expertly curated package of mentorship, community experiences, and writing-based courses. Here’s what participants have to say about their Journeys:
“Through Girls Write Now, I was able to meet and connect with my mentor, Sam… She’s guided me through writing, the college admissions process, life, and everything else that I couldn’t have imagined this year without her. Through the program’s Poetry Journey, I’ve also been able to connect with so many writers my age and meet with so many published professionals…I’m truly grateful for the program and for everything it has done! Thank you so, so much!”
– Premrudee, Mentee
“Joining my Career Journey turned into another moment for me to grow. I learned how to collaborate and looked for ways to fully step into a more mature, self-assured person…I swear I feel like crying just trying to express my gratitude.”
– Dolores Haze, Editorial Intern and Class of 2023 Alum
Mentorship
Journeys in the Girls Write Now Collaboratory allow participants to connect one-to-one across generations and establish a supportive relationship that lasts a lifetime.
“My most rewarding experience was meeting my mentor Ellen. She’s been super encouraging and helpful during a year that’s been filled with a lot of change and uncertainty.”
– Karina Itzel, Mentee Alum
“Girls Write Now inspired me to think of myself as more than someone who writes, but as a writer. My years as a mentee gave me the foundation to be the author I’m proud to be today “
– Joy L. Smith, Author and Mentee Alum
Community Experiences
Mentors and mentees in Journeys access community experiences featuring expert teaching artists, guest speakers, and facilitators dedicated to enhancing writing and media skills, expanding personal and professional development, and fostering collaborative creation.
Writing Courses
As a mentor or mentee enrolled in a Journey, you have access to a wide range of educational experiences that all use a 360 degree approach.