Get Me Embodied:
Shapeshifting through Poetry, Short Stories, & Myths
In partnership with The Free Black Women’s Library
Dates: Saturdays, October 21 – November 11
Time: 2 – 4 p.m. ET
Location: The Free Black Women’s Library in Bed-Stuy
What does shapeshifting mean as a Black femme? What spells are necessary to inspire more harmony between the body and soul, in a society that is at odds with the multiplicity of Black femme and nonbinary bodies? What does it mean to be self-possessed? This space investigates these ideas and so much more, through speculative literature from Black femme and nonbinary writers. Together we’ll discuss enchanting works of art that challenge white, heteropatriarchal ideas around embodiment. We’ll answer for ourselves what it means to reside in our bodies, how to expand our existences, and the endless possibilities of who—or what—we can become. This workshop is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
This drop-in workshop is open to Black femme and non-binary writers and will be capped at 25 participants per session. We’ll meet every Saturday afternoon at The Free Black Women’s Library in Bed-Stuy (226 Marcus Garvey Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY ). The workshops take place from October 21st through November 11th from 2-4 p.m. and will end with a public, celebratory reading from participants on November 18th.
You must also identify as a Black writer to take this workshop. If you are not a Black writer, please do not register.
Registration for this first-come, first-served workshop will open soon on Eventbrite. The registration link will change each week and be posted here and sent out through the Black Writers Program Newsletter, at 3 p.m. ET on Thursdays.
Questions? Email bwp@nywriterscoalition.org.
NOTE: Masks will be required to wear to attend this workshop as COVID-19 cases are on the rise. If possible, please also make sure to get a rapid test as well before attending. You can get a free COVID test mailed to your address at covid.gov/tests.
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PORTALS: A Get Me Embodied Celebratory Reading
Location: The Free Black Women’s Library in Bed-Stuy
Dates: Saturday, November 18
Time: 6 – 8 p.m. ET
Join us for PORTALS, a celebratory reading honoring the writers of NYWC’s “Get Me Embodied" workshop. On this special night, the writers will transport us through different, metaphysical stages of Black femme presence from time travel and shapeshifting, to possession, haunting—and so much more.
We’re also uplifting workshop bae, artist, and aspiring author Alisha Acquaye, who curated and created this workshop. They will share exclusive excerpts from their upcoming (and first!) essay and poetry collection. Wear something that makes you feel magical. Join us with an open heart and curious mind.
Registration is mandatory.
CLICK HERE TO DO SO VIA EVENTBRITE
PORTALS is co-hosted by The Free Black Women’s Library and NY Writers Coalition.
ABOUT THE LEADER
Alisha (she/they) is a creative writer, poet, workshop bae and community organizer from Brooklyn, NY. Alisha is immensely inspired by community care, mutual solidarity, Black creative expression, and the power of queer BIPOC healing. Their art contemplates Black femme pleasure and joy, time travel, shape shifting, ancestral magic and infinite healing.
Alisha’s work is in Catapult, Carve magazine, Teen Vogue, Allure, Airbnb.org and more platforms. She is the proud recipient of NYSCA’s 2023 Support for Artists Grant, which uplifts her writing her first book, and her work as lead teaching artist at NY Writers Coalition. As a teaching artist, she curates loving and imaginative writing spaces for Black writers to explore different realms within themselves through the power of world building, poetry and imagination.
ABOUT THE FREE BLACK WOMEN’S LIBRARY
The Free Black Women’s Library is a grassroots social art project that centers on and celebrates the brilliance, creativity, and diversity of Black women and Black non-binary writers, artists, and scholars from all over the world. Their Reading Room features a collection of over 5,000 books and is located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This literary hub, social site, and community care space offers free public programs in the form of workshops, film screenings, presentations, cultural conversations, and performances, as well as a space to read, write, work, rest, and daydream.
All are welcome to join their virtual reading club, and book swap sessions. Visit their website at freeblackwomenslibrary.com to learn more. Follow them on Eventbrite to learn of upcoming events. Join the community via Instagram @thefreeblackwomenslibrary.