Workshop brings out best in Ottawa’s Black writers
Saturday 25 November, 2017
About 20 people of various ages were at the Origin Arts and Community Centre on Lyndale Avenue to take part in a literary workshop titled: “Writing While Black”. It was an opportunity for participants young and not so young to express themselves through poetry reading and spontaneous writing, shared with others in an informal and friendly setting. The diversity and range of poems created on the post shone the light on the depth of literary talent within Ottawa’s Black community.
The main goal of the workshops was to create a safe space and develop a community of black writers who can provide support to one another’s artistic projects. Kudos to organiser Whitney French and Ottawa’s former Poet Laureate Jamal Rogers whose very presence gave the event a significant boost.
After the success of last year’s visit during the #WritingWhileBlackTour, Toronto-based writer and WWB founder, Whitney French returned to Ottawa to deliver another intimate and powerful session.
All photos copyright Black Ottawa Scene