Class

Resisting the Border: A Creative Nonfiction Class for Writers of Color and Indigenous Writers (Summer 2024–Open Book)

We tend to think of “the border” as a line drawn in the sand, a physical marker that parcels land and people into political territories. The concept of “the border” is taught to children from an early age, and we accept it as a reality of our lives. But what if the border didn’t exist? What if borders were weaker than we believe? What if they can be broken?

In this class we’ll map the external borders that are imposed on us. Our class will have two components: “listening” and “writing.” In “listening,” we’ll discuss the assigned essays that examine and deconstruct the physical and metaphorical borders that shape our lives. We’ll study the ways in which journalism and memoir can blend together to collapse the perceived boundaries between genres. Our discussions, reading, and writing will guide us toward writing an essay that reimagines our communities and their capacity to be the makers of peaceful, multicultural societies.

This class is part of a series of classes that cover the issues and traditions of writers of color and Indigenous writers and is intended for writers of color and Indigenous writers to work on their craft in a space that centers them and their work. We ask all participants to be cognizant of that core value. Minnesota human rights laws prevent the exclusion of anyone based on their identity. If you are not a writer of color or Indigenous writer, please be mindful of the space and energy you take up in a class intended to uplift traditionally marginalized and silenced communities. Anyone being disruptive may be asked to leave.

The class is offered on a pay what you can basis with the suggested fee of $40 ($36 for Friends of the Loft). Students may select the ""pay what you can"" option and enter any amount, including $0.

This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book; we encourage participants to be fully vaccinated and masked in the interest of everyone’s safety. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.