“Poetry matters… It can transform the thing that might have made people fearful into something that invites them to look, and look a little longer, and maybe even understand.” -Unknown
Horizons’ showcase Wednesday evening was a huge success once again. The dinner event featured families experiencing homelessness sharing their creative energy through poetry and prose.
The event was attended by 45 people – mothers and children from two family shelter programs at A Safe Haven, 8020 S. Western Ave., and New Life in Rogers Park, attended the event at Caffe Baci, 225 W. Wacker Dr. The poetry and prose was so engaging that there were moments that left even the most seasoned listener speechless.
A dozen presenters ranged in age from Jackeema Givens, 6, to Antoine Allen, 30. Their poems touched on many issues, from creating safe neighborhoods, moving out of homelessness, and honoring their own families through a crisis.
During FY 2013, Horizons involved more than 100 people in a series of workshops hosted at three family shelters and through the HELLO street youth group that CCH co-facilitates with The Night Ministry. Some of their work is published in a keepsake booklet released at the event, and through Horizons’ online Reading Room.
– Wayne Richard, Senior Community Organizer and Horizons facilitator