A collection of writing that language arts teacher Adam Burden described, in an email, as "the highest-stakes publication that students at Cleveland have ever put together" will be released at the school tonight (Dec. 17). The authors will gather like a storm of protest to read and recite their work to what they hope will be a packed house. They want to start making a difference with their words.
The title of the poetry slam is "A Better Tomorrow Today: Our Revolution." A flyer for the event, with its clenched-fist logo, reminds us that these students have grown up amidst nightly news of political violence and unrest: "A bomb blows up, killing 15 ... 45 ... thousands of people to draw attention to a call for change." "Thousands of people make a conscious decision to directly disobey the law in an effort to draw attention to injustice. Can this create change?"
Through their work, these young writers are asking how they can become agents of social justice. "Can we inspire others to join our cause?" they ask. They're probably also asking, "Can our writing matter to a broader Seattle audience, to people beyond our school?"
If you go: Friday, Dec. 17, 6PM, Cleveland Auditorium, Cleveland High School, 5511 15th Ave. S. Food and beverages will be served. Admission is free.
