Artists & Communities Host Site: Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center
528 Bloom Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Millennium Artist:
Ralph Cheo Thurmon
Writer
Georgia

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Residents of Jackson, Mississippi experienced the process Atlanta-based writer Ralph Cheo Thurmon created and dubbed, "Writing in the Circle of Life, Love, Creativity and More," when he partnered with the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center on an Artists & Communities residency project.

Thurmon's creative writing and literacy program "Writing in the Circle of Life, Love, Creativity, and More," emphasizes youth development and conflict resolution. Describing his program model, the artist explains, "using world literature, folklore and proverbs, and my own literary works, I guide students to write, listen and edit the works they create in "Writing in the Circle of Life, Love, Creativity and More." In the process, participants consider and answer such questions as: "Who am I? Where am I? Why am I this way? How may I change? How do I fit into the world?"

During his three-month residency in Jackson, Thurmon modeled residency activities on "Writing in the Circle of Life, Love, Creativity and More." Using this model, he worked with African American young people, adults, and local artists to create a body of written and spoken work tracing their experiences and visions for the future.

In partnership with the City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Department Summer Enhancement Program, Thurmon conducted weekly creative writing and youth development workshops using exercises, games, and rituals to encourage participants - many who had never written creatively before - to experiment with language and develop literature reflecting their spoken words. Local dancers and musicians also participated in these sessions, providing accompaniment to the developing works.

While in Jackson, Thurmon was also invited to present a workshop at Jackson State University on the works of Dr. Margaret Walker Alexander, his mentor and a former Professor at the University.

As a consequence of Thurmon's creative writing workshops, participants elected to focus their efforts on creating spoken word poetry. Their work was presented at the Smith Robertson Museum at an Open Mike Poetry Night. The Poetry Night initiated through this project has continued after the conclusion of the residency, attracting a core group of young people each week.

Discussing the writing process, Thurmon comments, "from a writer's perspective, I have found that words can be the instrument of change. It is truly moving to witness the empowerment of students as they realize the infinite possibilities of words and word combinations. The process of empowerment of the young individual is essential as we go into the new millennium."

MILLENNIUM ARTIST BIO

Ralph Cheo Thurmon is a writer, editor, journalist, folklorist, and educator who has devised a creative writing program entitled "Writing in the Circle of Life, Love, Creativity, and More," which emphasizes youth development and conflict resolution.