Chapter 510 | A made-in-Oakland youth writing, bookmaking & publishing center

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Our First Poetry Mural is Up at Franklin Elementary!

Our poetry program with Franklin Elementary fifth-graders has culminated in this gorgeous mural by Ryoko Tokuho! Thank you to our teaching artist Giovanna Lomanto for guiding the poets through writing this beautiful collaborative poem. The prompts were based on this year's Write Your Roots prompts. Can't wait to share them and see what all of you come up with... we're looking at YOU, Oakland!

Their collaborative poem reads:
“For us right here.
nothing is impossible
Impossible is nothing
I close my eyes. I imagine I am in the
middle of space with the stars, reading.
I hear cars drive down the street and feel rain on my skin.
I see all genders and say all pronouns.
I open my eyes. My moving feet jump up and down.
and touch the living earth.
The tiger spirit waters Franklin’s grounds.
We are protectors of this school.”

Huge thanks to Franklin for inviting us in to work with your brilliant kids. So glad we got to be a part of adding to the beauty of your campus.