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Writing to Heal
Memoir in Urgent Times
Join us to lift your voice in a communal gathering
to help develop a
story-based strategy for listening, compassion, and change.
Friday, February 28th, 1-5 pm
The Humanities Institute at Stony Brook, Rm 1006 Humanities Building
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
As we navigate these urgent divisive times, memoir writing at its best can move the needle in restoring our sense of purpose—and hope—and in guiding us to changing hearts, minds and policies.
Yet for those writing in spaces where freedom is unequally protected, one’s words can bring danger. How do we at once protect and nurture voices that must be heard?
In an innovative format that is the trademark of Herstory Writers Network, encompassing readings, panel discussions and a collective call to action, Herstory joins forces with the Humanities Institute at Stony Brook, Stony Brook’s School of Social Welfare, and Vanderbilt Divinity School, to invite a broader audience to experience how personal memoir can provide a safe and empowering space to address the most urgent questions we are grappling with today in healing our communities, spirits, and land.
Readings and their authors will investigate topics such as: narrative accountability; moving beyond revenge and harm through revisiting past moments; the meaning of growth and the shedding of old selves; pathways to resurrection and rebirth, even in confinement; and the intersection of personal and societal trauma as we search for new solutions.
Together we will explore how students, teachers and community members are breaking down hierarchies and bridging divides to collaboratively examine the larger societal issues that cause trauma.
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If you have any questions about this event, please contact Adrienne Unger at adrienne.unger@stonybrook.edu. If you have any questions about Herstory Writers Network, please contact Tammy Arnstein at tarnstein@herstorywriters.org.
Writing to Heal Program
1-1:20 OPENING
Welcome
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Susan Scheckel, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of English, Stony Brook University
Introductory Remarks
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Kathy Rosenthal, Senior Vice President for Programs, Family Service League of Long Island
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Erika Duncan, Founder & Executive Director, Herstory Writers Network
1:20-1:50 Part One
For Our Children, Our Families and All People in this Urgent Time
Readings by:
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Temiloluwa Oluseye, Wyandanch High School
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Gianna Hewson, Linda Howard Weissman Youth Leadership Council
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Marcela Contreras Ortiz, Herstory Program Associate
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Anonymous Epilogue from Brave Journeys: Pasos Valientes
Panel discussion moderated by Leah Topek-Walker, LCSW-R, Clinical Associate Professor, Stony Brook School of Social Welfare
Panelists
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Carolina Perez, School Counselor
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Marcela Contreras Ortiz, Herstory Program Associate
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Helen Dorado Alessi, Herstory Program Consultant & Director of Long Beach Latino Civic Association
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Grant Robinson-Palmer, Linda Howard Weissman Youth Leadership Council
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Monique DeMory, Wyandanch School Counselor, Founder of Warrior Mentoring, Inc. and Educational Consultant.
Q&A/Audience Discussion
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2:55-3:10 PM BREAK
3:10-4:40 Part Two
Reflection, Responsibility, Restoration & Grace
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Readings by:
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ShaRize, TOOJ Artistic Director, HerStory Writer , Motivational Speaker, Human Rights Activist
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Renita Certain, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Spin the Yard
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Graham Reside, Herstory Beyond Bars Fellow and Professor of Religion at Vanderbilt Divinity School
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The Honorable Fernando Camacho, Judge of the New York State Court of Claims and Acting Supreme Court Justice
Conversations that dare us
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Erika Duncan, Founder & Executive Director, Herstory Writers Network
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ShaRize, TOOJ Artistic Director, HerStory Writer , Motivational Speaker, Human Rights Activist
Panel discussion moderated by Elizabeth A. Justesen, Esq., JD, MSW, Adjunct Professor of Law, Touro Law School
Panelists
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ShaRize, TOOJ Artistic Director, HerStory Writer , Motivational Speaker, Human Rights Activist
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Graham Reside, Herstory Beyond Bars Fellow and Professor of Religion at Vanderbilt Divinity School
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Barbara Allan, Founder of Prison Families Anonymous and Co-Founder of Prison Families Alliance
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The Honorable Fernando Camacho, Judge of the New York State Court of Claims and Acting Supreme Court Justice
Discussion/Call to Action
4:40-5:00 Reception
How to get there
Address
The Humanities Institute
at Stony Brook, Rm 1006 Humanities Building
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Contact
631 - 676 - 7395
Event Hours
Friday, February 28th
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Click on the red location icon below for location on campus
Directions
Once in the parking garage, please exit the side facing the Humanities Building. Enter the building using the double doors next to the wheelchair access ramp. Room 1006 will be immediately on your right. We recommend leaving extra time to get into the building.”
