ETSU Creative Writing Festival

East Tennessee State University is hosting its third annual Creative Writing Festival this week! The events span April 10th and 11th, with everything from poetry and prose readings to creative writing workshops for students and the public alike to attend at The Reece Museum and the Martha Street Culp Auditorium. Yes, you read that correctly: both days and all events are FREE and OPEN to the public! You do not have to be a student to attend, nor do you have to have a ticket of any kind. We encourage you to please share this event with any interested friends or family members, as this unique opportunity should not be passed up!

We will be graced with the presence of several extremely talented authors, including Courtney Stevens (author of works such as Dress Code for Small Towns, Faking Normal, and others), the award-winning Mark Powell (author of Small Treasons and others), and the delightful poet and award-winning Bianca Lynne Spriggs (author of Call Her by Her Name and others, co-editor of the forthcoming Black Bone: 25 Years of Affrilachian Poets).

The guest of honor is the multi-talented Joy Harjo: member of the Mvskoke Nation, author of memoir Crazy Brave, poet-author of collections such as How We Became Human, musician of five albums, and award-winning.

We will attach the schedule down below for both days, as well as the author biography page from the ETSU handout so you can all read a little more about our guests. Keep in mind that while the book signings are free to attend, you must purchase or bring your own book to be signed. We hope to see you there!

*Images used in this post belong to East Tennessee State University and the photographs to respective authors. We are using these photographs with permission from the university to promote the event and do not claim ownership.*

April BAGHT meeting

BAGHT monthly meeting: April 24th at 6:00pm

Join us at Willow Tree Coffeehouse and Music Room at 216 East Main Street in downtown Johnson City for an informative and inspirational meeting.

Our guest speaker this month is Kenneth Bonner from CAUSE; Community Alliance United for Social Equality. 

Kenneth is a positive force in our region, dealing with social and civil rights issues in a variety of ways. His passion is bringing about a more equitable society for all. 
From the CAUSE Facebook page:

"The Community Alliance United for Social Equality (CAUSE) is a grassroots organization founded by Kenneth Bonner, and is dedicated to engaging and empowering people and communities to help create a true society of social. economic, and political equality. To carry out the CAUSE mission we utilize a variety of platforms: Creative/Performing Arts, Support groups, Public Advocacy, Empowerment Program/Workshops, Public/Political Awareness Forums, and Community engagement events. "

Please join us for community, coffee, education, and friendship.