The first ever Mighty Writers MightyFest student literacy festival takes place this September in Philadelphia.
I was an English major and I am unashamed.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that’s a “useless” major, but the fact is communicating simply and clearly is and always will be a valuable skill, in business and in life. Even better if you can speak and write in a way that is persuasive, evocative, and educational— those particular skills may not be necessary for everyone, every day, but the world will always need writers who can appeal to hearts and minds.
Words matter.
I love the stated mission of Mighty Writers:
The mission of Mighty Writers is to teach Philadelphia kids to think and write with clarity so they can achieve success at school, at work, and in life.
Simple. Succinct. So important.
I’d love for Mighty Writers or a similar program to expand into Delaware, but for now I can support them by spreading the word about their MightyFest 2018. It runs from September 27th through the 30th, and features nationally-known speakers as well as a free literacy carnival.
Here’s the schedule:
Thursday, September 27th
After school: Inaugural “Mighty Writers Day” at all neighborhood libraries, featuring reading and writing workshops for kids. Free.
Friday, September 28th
8:00pm – midnight: Soul music dance party at the Franklin Institute Planetarium, featuring special guest DJ Lil’ Dave. Tickets on sale July 27th.
Saturday, September 29th
10:00am – 4:00pm: Writing carnival next to the Franklin Institute, with over 30 tents and activities for kids of all ages. Free.
7:30pm – 9:30pm: Keynote talk from Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times reporter and 2017 MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow, at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. Tickets on sale July 27th.
Sunday, September 30th
11:00am – 12:30pm: Gospel Breakfast at Girard College, featuring a tribute to the Dixie Hummingbirds. Tickets on sale July 27th.
“MightyFest will show kids what being able to write with clarity can do, and how it can make them feel,” says Mighty Writers executive director Tim Whitaker. “We see what being able to write does for kids every day: grades improve, self-esteem soars, and success follows. MightyFest will help us spread the word that writing can take you places – and we’ll make it fun in the process.”
More info and tickets for the ticketed events can be found at the MightyFest website.
