2021 LOWELL READS

To My Kin: Stories and Poems Written by Youth About Black Joy

Forward by Thaddeus Miles Edited by Rashawnda Williams Featuring: Jaela Ramos, Asiyah Herrera, Kaylany Vicente, Marcus Harding, Ananya Ravipati, Amina Abdirahman, Justis Porter, Adrielle Jackson, C’Lannye James, Nicholas Layne, Victor Delaney Sire, Cathal Daniel Marshal Stephens, Francisco Bello, Da’Ja Gittens, Isatou Jawara, Marangela Hopa James, Khaiyrah Herrera, Kate Osakwe, Ernst Michel, Mahali A. Cook-Wright, Janice Jonah, Joshua Ramgeet, Aliya Keithiana Hall, Zariah Eisner, Maya McNeill, Eliza Daniel Hodges, Camarah Oates, Tariq Charles.  Anthology of youth stories, poems, and narratives surrounding the theme of Black Joy. It was created to remind youth that while we are facing challenging times, we have a story beyond trauma and must remember to center joy. In this anthology the youngest author to be featured is 11 and the oldest is 20. It isn’t everyday as an adult where we get to hear directly from youth. We rarely hear of their experiences and perspective of what’s happening in the world. And when we are given such a gift we must receive it with love. These pieces of writing will make you laugh, make you question, and make you see the world through a different perspective. As a bonus, we included several journal pages at the end of the book for you to write your own “Joy” story. This program is supported by funds from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Lowell Reads – Building Community Book by Book

Lowell Reads is an annual celebration spearheaded by Lowell’s public library surrounding the questions, themes and ideas of one particular book. Our goals are to get all of Lowell on the same page, to promote adult literacy, and to build and strengthen the bonds of our community. This year’s theme is Surrounding Joy. We’ll be offering activities to help cultivate joy and bolster resilience. We invite you to explore To My Kin and participate in our activities in the hopes you might gain connections to the joy within yourself and your community. Lowell Reads activities will begin September 7th and run through October 7th and will be held virtually unless otherwise noted. Books are available for patrons to borrow at the First Floor display.  

EVENTS

Your Story of Joy of Writing Workshops

The creators of To My Kin left blank lined pages in the back of every copy for the reader to participate in telling their own story of joy. Get your story started by joining one of our writing workshops led by teachers from Cambodian American Literary Arts Association and The Kindred Project. Registered Participants will receive a copy of To My Kin to keep and write your own story of joy. Sunday, September 19th 2:00-4:00 PM Tower Room, Coffee & Cotton at Mill 5 – In partnership with Lowell Book Company. – 250 Jackson St. Teacher: Sanary Phen. REGISTER HERE Wednesday, September 22nd 3:00 – 4:00 PM lala books – 189 Market St. Teacher: Chath PierSath REGISTER HERE Thursday, September 23 5:30 – 7:00 PM Virtual Workshop Teacher: Masada Jones REGISTER HERE Thursday, September 30 5:30-7:00 PM lala Books – 189 Market St. Teacher: Princess Moon REGISTER HERE

VIRTUAL – To My Kin –  Contributor’s Reading

Thursday, September 16th—7:00 pm

Join us for a virtual evening celebration of Black Joy with project creator Thaddeus Miles. Featuring readings from book contributors. REGISTER ON EVENT CALENDAR PAGE

Joyful Presence: Meditation Series, Tuesdays in September 2:00-3:00 pm

Ground Floor Meeting Room – Pollard Library, 401 Merrimack St. Meditation has been proven by modern medicine to help with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Christine Connolly will lead this series of varied mindfulness meditation practices aimed at those who are new to meditation and for those with experience alike. Topics will include Metta (loving kindness) meditation, Mantra meditation, Sound meditation, iRest Yoga Nidra, and Autogenic relaxation. Please bring a blanket, yoga mat, and / or a cushion to sit on. Chairs will be available too. Practice will begin with a brief explanation of the type of practice that will be done that day. After the mindfulness meditation practice, there will be a process of integration whether it be silent journaling or sharing your experience and a time for Q&A if that is helpful. You may register for one or more events in this series but separate registration required for each session. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for those who wish to practice without masks.  September 7th – 2:00-3:00 PM – REGISTER HERE September 14th – 2:00-3:00 PM – REGISTER HERE September 21st – 2:00-3:00 PM – REGISTER HERE September 28th – 2:00-3:00 PM – REGISTER HERE

Try Tai Chi and Chi Kung Outdoors!

Saturday, September 25 10:00 am

Shedd Park Pavilion, 453 Rogers St. Try Tai Chi and Chi Kung! In this standing practice, you only will need comfortable clothing, non-skid shoes, and a water bottle, if you like. No experience or other equipment is needed. All are welcome, although this practice is geared towards adults of all ages and abilities. While Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art form, Chi Kung is also an ancient practice of slow, mindful, gentle movements to release tension in the body and mind, so that one’s energy can flow freely. When energy flows freely, the body can function the best that it can, so that you feel energized, calm, and alert. In this one-hour session, we will practice a variety of movements and postures, including balance practice; some gestures from the Yang Family 108-movement Tai Chi long form will be incorporated. Strength, flexibility, immune function, and balance can all be enhanced through regular practice. Instructor: Sharon Palmer, M.Ed., certified 500-hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher REGISTER

VIRTUAL Non-Fiction Book Club Discussion Between the World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates – Thursday, October 7—6:30 pm

Join this monthly discussion group. Free and Open to the public. REGISTER ON EVENT CALENDAR PAGE

Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors:

Lowell Reads – Building Community – Book by Book

Lowell Reads is a semi-annual celebration spearheaded by Lowell’s public library surrounding the questions, themes and ideas of one particular book. Our goals are to get all of Lowell on the same page, to promote adult literacy, and to build and strengthen the bonds of our community.