African American Literature, Givens Foundation

For more than 20 years, the Givens Foundation for African American Literature has been the only organization in the Twin Cities exclusively dedicated to advancing and celebrating black literature and writers. Their literary arts residencies, African American Author Series, and programs for writers illuminate the cultural resources and creative imagination found within African American literature to enrich cultural understanding for diverse audiences of all ages.

Spirited Minds and Strong Souls Singing, the Givens Foundation’s literary-artists-in-the-schools PreK-12 education program, places literary artists in Twin Cities Metro schools to enrich literary skills and promote self-expression and empowerment in students through the use of contemporary and classical African American literature. Find a full program handbook, including residency formats and artist bios at the Givens Foundation's Web site, www.givens.org.

NOMMO: African American Author Series (sponsored by Givens Foundation and the Friends of the University of Minnesota Libraries) NOMMO is a Dogon word meaning the “magic power of the word.” The Givens Foundation’s NOMMO Series celebrates the magic power of the word through conversations with nationally recognized authors that exemplify excellence in African American literature. The series advances public understanding and appreciation of the authors and literary works that articulate the unique history, identity, and cultural themes found within the African American experience. For ticket and event information, visit the Givens Foundation and click on Programs.

November 2011 Teacher Conference

"Reach and Teach through African American Literature and Culture"

November 11-12, 2011
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Bloomington, MN

The Givens Foundation for African American Literature invites educators to participate in the 2011 Education Conference, which will provide teachers the tools to increase academic achievement through culturally inclusive curricula and instruction.

The keynote speaker at the opening banquet will be Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, who is a powerful cultural voice for freedom and justice. She is a recipient of the Heinz Award for the Arts and Humanities along with the Leeway National Award for Women in the Arts.

For more information, visit www.givens.org

Contact information for PreK-12 Education Programs

Rosilyn Carroll, the Givens Foundation's Education Consultant: education@givens.org

Givens Foundation Web: www.givens.org

Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

651.999.7310 MN toll free 800.642.6807

Fax: 651.999.7311 E-mail: mespa@mespa.net