Letters to Our Ancestors: Epistle Poems as Connection
Free Virtual Writing Workshop

Join Lucky Jefferson and Jasmine Barnes for a free 1.5-hour virtual writing workshop designed for writers interested in using poetry to explore our connections to others.

Letter writing is an intimate and meditative form of communication that allows us to reflect on our own experiences and connect with someone we might have physical or emotional distance from. The epistle merged the structure of a letter with the lyricism of a poem to create a mystical literary medium.

During this 1.5-hour interactive workshop, participants will learn more about the tradition of epistolary poetry and utilize its techniques to connect with an ancestor—someone or something who no longer exists in the physical world. Participants are encouraged to bring an image or object related to their ancestor(s). These objects will help inspire the participants to write.

During the workshop, participants will:

Read and discuss diverse examples of epistle poems from contemporary poets
Learn the literary context and craft of creating engaging
Reimagine genealogy and connect with the life and work of ancestors from your biological or chosen lineage
Draft your own epistle poems
Experience a supportive, creative space to explore and take risks with your writing

Date: Saturday, September 6th
Time: 10AM-11:30AM CT / 11AM-12:30PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)

Jasmine Barnes (she/her) is a multidisciplinary writer, community builder, and facilitator based on Potawatomi land on the South Side of Chicago. Her writing and collaborations are grounded in a womanist perspective, centering themes of relational healing, communal care, creative self-expression and spirituality. You can learn more at jasbarnes.com