Posts Tagged ‘Literature’

Leaving Freeville

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017

Writer Amy Dickinson talked about coming of age in Freeville, NY during a public event at DestinyUSA. She read from her book “Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things.”

NYS Fair (Day 8): Sand Trap

Thursday, August 28th, 2014
Sand Sculpture tribute to Theodor Seuss Geisel (Center of Progress Building)

Sand Sculpture tribute to Theodor Seuss Geisel (Center of Progress Building)

Loving (just enough for) the City

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014
Mozart from Philly (now residing in Syracuse)

Mozart from Philly (now residing in Syracuse)

One of the best elements that make up the city are immigrants. Not just folks from other nations,  but those from other states as well.  Immigrants bring their idioms, swagger, energy and experiences to add to the Syracuse stew.

We previously heard about the power of Mozart Guerrier from some students we met this summer, but last night was the first time we caught him in performance.  He was the featured poet at last night’s Open Mic for the Underground Poetry Spot, which was held at 601 Tully (aka the Treehouse).

Part of Mozart’s slam list included a humorous appreciation of Coach Jim Boeheim, a shout out to Amiri Baraka, and also a verbal ode to the beauty of living and loving in cities. We suggest contacting Seneca Wilson and the Underground Poetry Spot to hear the poem about cities (there was video).

Mozart’s compositions, movements and performance certainly lived up to the hype.

It was good to see slam poetry percolating on the Near Westside.

Throwback Thursday: Writers

Thursday, January 9th, 2014
Edwidge Danticat

Edwidge Danticat

January 1 is considered Independence Day for the Republic of Haiti.  Here are a few of the influential writers of Haitian decent who have visited Syracuse in the past decade.
Dany Laferriere

Dany Laferriere

Myriam Chancy

Myriam Chancy

Throwback Thursday: Our Poet Laureate

Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
Jackie Warren Moore, writer (before speaking at Syracuse University event in 2006)

Jackie Warren Moore, writer (before speaking at Syracuse University event in 2006)

Students of Inspiration, not Limitation

Monday, November 4th, 2013
Former SU Dean and program namesake Barry Wells

Former SU Dean and program namesake Barry Wells

Maybe it’s because I have two mentors who began educational transition programs that got me interested in finding out more about the WellsLink Leadership program at Syracuse University.  It also could be the fact that I too was a member of a similar program. Either way, I was happy to hear that the organization celebrate its celebrating its 10th year anniversary on campus.

This year’s speaker was poet Nikki Giovanni. Giovanni was introduced by former-SU staffer Dr. Paul Buckley. There was also an appearance by former SU Dean Barry Wells, who started the program. To get an appreciation of what the WellsLink has done, and continues to achieve, listen to the sound clip from Paul Buckley below.

Featured speaker for the event: Poet and educator Nikki Giovanni

Featured speaker for the event poet and educator Nikki Giovanni read a few of her pieces during the Friday afternoon ceremony.

Paul Buckley, dean for undergraduate students at Dartmouth College

Dr. Paul Buckley, who currently serves as a dean for undergraduate students at Dartmouth College, worked closely with the WellsLink program when he was at Syracuse University.

Visual Guide in the Land of Orange

Friday, October 4th, 2013
University College Dean Bea Gonzales and award-winning author George Saunders Friday morning at the Orange Central event (Newhouse 3).

University College Dean Bea Gonzales and award-winning author George Saunders Friday morning at the Orange Central event (Newhouse 3).

Blame it on Amarillo…or maybe Asia.

SU Creative Writing Program professor George Saunders said it was in one of those places where he decided to become a writer and avoid what he called a “shadow” life.  The Guggenheim and MacArthur fellow participated in a conversation with fellow professor Dana Spiotta this morning.

Saunders talked candidly about his experience in the short story genre and grooming the next generation of fiction writers by growing their talents and awakening their artistry the way it was done when he arrived as a student in the writing program (1980s).

“Talent doesn’t change, only the flavor of the talent changes, ” he said.

In the clip below, Saunders talks about Syracuse as a good place to practice the craft of writing.

Throwback Thursday: Peace & Resistance

Thursday, October 3rd, 2013
Poet Sonia Sanchez at Syracuse University about a decade ago.

Poet Sonia Sanchez spoke at Syracuse University about a decade ago.

Here’s a new documentary will explore the work of poet Sonia Sanchez. The film is in pursuit of crowd funding.

Mi Gente

Monday, December 17th, 2012
Junot Diaz at Syracuse University

Junot Diaz at Syracuse University

Former SU professor and current best-selling writer Junot Diaz will be featured in a conversation today at the 92 St. Y in NYC.