In support of National Poetry Month, the Writing Center and IMSA student group, Alma Latina, have invited poet and social activist Michael Reyes to return to IMSA.

Last year Michael performed his poetry in a rousing Read-In, and he returns to the IRC for an event on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 4:30 pm. Michael’s mission is to “provide a participatory educational environment through poetry and hip-hop to address issues of social justice and cultural identity.”

The event also features the mixed media artwork of  IMSA alum Aldo Quintana, class of 1997. “Station to Station” is now hung on the walls of the IRC, and it is hoped that the artist will be able to stop by the event on Monday afternoon.

A celebration of Women’s History Month will take place in the IRC today, beginning at noon with readings of original stories and published literature by IMSA students, faculty and staff. The Read-In features IMSA groups the Bellas and the Fellas, and IMSA staff Leah Kind, Ph. D., Bonny Sucherman and Chris Whitehead.

Blogging live from the event:

Leah Kind, Ph. D. opened the Read-In by noting that it hasn’t always been easy for women to write and publish their work, and today there are women all over the world who are still writing under the shadow of fear and punishment. Kind went on to mention noted women writer’s throughout history and their contributions, and mentioned IMSA’s English teachers reminiscences about women writers.

The first reading was Sylvia Plath’s poem, “Lady Lazarus,” which contains what one reviewer called Plath’s “aggressive mythopoetic claim.” The line the reviewer referred to is, “Out of the ash/ I rise with my red hair/ and I eat men like air.”

The second reading was “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. During the Read-In students read other works by Plath and well known writers, including Alice Walker and Sandra Cisneros. Only one student read her original writing – a poem she had written in Creative Writing class. the poem is “Never Again” and refers to violence against the author and what she does to end the abuse.

Tea was served during and after the Read-In.

Blogging live from the African American Read-In, which is being held in the IRC from noon until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

IMSA Principal, Branson Lawrence, Ph. D., welcomed everyone and read a poem before turning the floor over to Adam Kotlarczyk, Ph.D., a teacher at IMSA who spoke about the history of African American writers and the challenges they faced to get their writing published.

Mama SheShe, a mother of an IMSA student, the student’s sister and the student’s “community sister”, danced and sang their way into the circle.

The three women sang, drummed and danced. The first song they performed, as they danced their way into the circle, was a tribute to the ancestors, then the women danced two celebration dances.

After they performed, Mama SheShe explained the dances and said that the celebration dances were used in weddings and naming ceremonies.

Attendees were then invited to read from African American literature, and the first reader, a student, chose a poem by Langston Hughes, “Dreams,” as her selection. Students and faculty members read for the crowd.

Poet Walkin Contradiction, who travels the country exposing people to poetry and inspiring others to realize their purpose and potential, strode into the circle and performed his first poem which touched on many current events.

Walkin Contradiction started a call and response of “Please stop the violence,” which the crowd participated in, softly at first and then with more verve and confidence.

Soul food okra, fried green tomatoes, gumbo, and cookies were served to all who attended.

The African American Read In was organized by the President’s Office, Peer Mulicultural Educators, the English Department and the IRC.

The ninth annual IMSA Community Family Reading Night was held on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and more than 200 participants, including elementary age students and their parents attended. The theme for this year’s event was, “Reading is Out of This World!”

Students from Aurora school districts 129 and 131, and children of IMSA employees, enjoyed a fun filled evening that began with a scientific demonstration put on by the SciTech Hands on Museum, which is located in Aurora. During the evening the children were entertained with crafts, science activities and book readings held during the IMSA staff story time, while their parents were invited on tours of the school led by IMSA student volunteers.

A raffle was held and prizes included puzzles of the solar system, craft packages with various crayon selections, movie tickets from Cinemark Tinseltown movie theater in Aurora, and coupons for a local Pizza Hut in Aurora. Nobody went home empty handed, though, because back packs filled with goodies and t-shirts were handed out to every child who attended.

Oberweis Dairy provided the ice cream treats that were available during the evening, and the Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties provided a free book for each child who attended.

Dart Container was this year’s event sponsor. Student volunteers from the IRC, Admissions and Allies departments of IMSA helped prepare and oversee crafts for the event, painted faces and assisted in other activities during the night.

Thanks to all who helped make this year’s event a success!