Poets & Writers Visits BAM

On Wednesday, November 6th, Bishop Loughlin's Poets & Writers Club, under the moderation of Mr. Ted Frank, attended a performance inspired by June Jordan's poetry at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.   

The performance was entitled, "Flowers for June" and it featured original works by graduates of BAM's afterschool Arts & Justice program.  This program allows high school-aged students to hone their artistic voice under the direction of BAM's educational department and is free of cost.  "Flowers for June" was a spellbinding performance that integrated/weaved original poetry, monologues, artworks, and a dance, which was accompanied by a recording of Ms. Jordan reading one of her poems as well as an instrumental piece played on the West African N'goni.  All works were inspired by the liberating words of Ms. Jordan herself. 

Prior to performance day, one of BAM's teaching artists, Giselle Buchanan, visited Loughlin and conducted a workshop on June Jordan's life and work.  Loughlin's Poets & Writers Club were tasked with writing a collaborative group poem as well as an original work of their very own in response to Ms. Jordan's poetry.  Both the workshop and the performance ended with Q & A session in which the Poets & Writers were granted the opportunity to engage with the artists directly.  It was on clear display that Loughlin's Poets & Writers were invested and engaged in Ms. Jordan's work in their keen insights and thoughtful questions.   Loughlin's Poets & Writers were truly grateful for this experience and were even invited by BAM's director of education to participate in BAM's Arts & Justice Program.  This trip truly marked the beginning of a great partnership for Loughlin!