Reaching Students Through Poetry

The Poetry Open Mic event opened doors for Project Brownstone by introducing us to a new demographic: young adults in poetry. We had no idea when we decided to host this event. We had no idea what to expect. At best, I thought it would be a pleasant afternoon spent with our featured poets, but I had no idea the people that would come through the door to participate with the open mic would be present a game changer.

We had participants in their 70s as well as poets as young as 11 years old. The event presented a platform that made it possible for all age groups to share. The spoken word is so powerful, it has no limits or boundaries and defies any rules about mixed company. It's amazing to see.

Because it was such a great success, we will repeat this program at least three times a year. You can expect another poetry event in October. The date has not been determined yet so keep an eye out for it. Don't miss it!!

Here's a few shots from the event.

The Eagle Has Landed

I would like the pleasure of introducing you to my mother, Earlease. A longtime supporter of Project Brownstone; she can be found at all of our events offering her support. She works tirelessly behind the scenes sharing her experience and insights into such areas of children and education.

Her experience of raising five children of her own as well as being a longtime teacher makes her a wealth of information to us. For as long as I can remember,  she's always been involved with some aspect of guiding children. Whether as a girl scout leader, a den mother, a teacher or the chair of some committee in our parish, I've always had a clear example of what to do and how to go about it. More so, we were taught the importance of sharing our gifts with the community.

While I wasn't always the best student, I was well aware of the importance an education had for me. My parents invested in giving us all a quality education. So even if I didn't fully apply myself, the environment was conducive to exposing me to all of the options available. I learned at an early age that education is a tool that can be applied, at will, to any given situation at any given time of your life. The clock never runs out on learning; it's just like when you pull a screwdriver out of the toolbox to fix something, you can pull education out of your toolbox to fix your life.

Project Brownstone will succeed because of the blueprint put down by people like Earlease. By setting examples and doing the heavy lifting in organizing around the areas of children and education, she plays a big role in forging the basis for why we exist. Combine that with unwavering love and support...I can't lose!

While I'm somewhat biased, I know there are so many children that need a mother like Earlease. I'm blessed to have her!! Project Brownstone wants to extend its gratitude...thank you, Earlease!!