NORFOLK, VA—Teens With a Purpose presents a rare and tender collection of Youth voice.  The poetry anthology, Creative Tongues Vol. 1 “Defining Me” features writings from Teens With a Purpose (TWP) community and school based programs with contributions from past and present members of Hampton Roads Youth Poets, Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureates, Teacher Partners, Teaching Artists and Community Members. The book also holds the voices of members of the St. Paul’s Community in Norfolk home to TWP.

On Saturday, September 28th the organization will have a book launch & signing with opening comments from Tim Siebles Poet, Educator and past Virginia Poet Laureate. The event will be held at the new Jordan-Newby Library. The Book Launch celebrates youth voice and Teens With a Purpose’s first published work with live readings from contributors and original music created alongside the anthology. There is a companion music album that was created for this project at the music studio in the VCM Teen Center, which is available. The anthology’s editor Brammy Rajakumar, 17, was a former participant of the Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate program.

Teens With a Purpose’s poetry program helps unlock hidden talent as it lights the fire that ignites critical thinking, reading, writing and reflection. Their programs are offered in five Hampton Roads schools, and at the VCM Teen Center. Teens With a Purpose is the local leader in bringing the youth voice front and center in Hampton Roads on topics like: gun violence, juvenile justice reform, fair and impartial policing, food justice, mental health, gender identity and the power of peer leadership. Too often youth issues are talked about but rarely are young people brought to the table for these conversations. Teens With a Purpose is known for uniquely and creatively breaking that boundary with authentic youth voice.

September 28th, 2019, 3pm-5pm

Jordan-Newby Library

1425 Norchester Ave

Norfolk, VA 23504

RSVP

For additional information please visit TWPTheMovement.org, Call 757-747-2679 or email info@twpthemovement.org