The Warmth: A Reading and Writing Intensive
Offered June 13-20, 2021 | The Warmth is a weeklong, reading and writing intensive for black adults between the ages of 18 and 25.
In his autobiography, Richard Wright wonders if “the warmth” of a different climate could provide him with the space he needs to “grow differently,” to “respond” and maybe to “bloom.” The Warmth is a weeklong, reading and writing intensive for black adults between the ages of 18 and 25. Offered by Virginia Commonwealth University critical thinking instructor Nikki Fernandes, the program strives to create a warm, rigorous academic environment for creativity, thinking and reflection to grow.
The ten accepted applicants from the Richmond area should expect daily writing workshops around topics including: African diasporic history, Richmond history, personal history and personal development. Held at the ecumenical retreat center Richmond Hill, contemplative practices of optional prayer, individual meditation and shared meals will also complement this holistic program. We welcome thinkers with different levels of writing confidence and proficiency to apply. There is no financial cost; we instead expect enthusiastic engagement and commitment during our week together.
- Apply if you want to form collaborative connections with other young, enthusiastic thinkers in the area.
- Apply if you want to learn more about black American history.
- Apply if you want to unpack and reflect on your own story.
- Apply if you want to be challenged to write carefully and clearly with conscientious precision. [In other words, apply if you want to get better at saying exactly what it is that you mean to say]
- Apply if you’re ready to think critically about your growth and the growth of our communities.
- Apply if you want to work hard and grow differently.
Program Expectations
- Read Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing before the program begins. The novel will be shipped to you if you are asked to join us.
- Participate in workshops and other planned activities from 9 AM – 7:30 PM throughout the week [June 13-19, 2021]; shared meals will be included if we are able to meet in person.
- The modality of our time will be determined as we get closer to the time, but we hope to meet in-person at Richmond Hill.
- Work on individual writing assignments, and stay on top of assigned readings throughout the week; You’ll be provided with a reader and a journal.
- Believe that you have something to learn from others and something to offer to others.
- Engage in collaboration and community building amongst your cohort.
- Seek both humility and confidence in your dealings with one another.
What Might A Day Here Look Like?
9 AM (Check in)
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Group Free Write
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM: Break (time for personal meditation, exercising, napping, idling, putzing in the garden. That’s up to you)
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM: Writing Mechanics Workshop
Noon Prayers / Personal Meditation
Lunch
1:30 – 2:15 PM: Topical Workshop
2:15 – 2:30 PM: Break
2:30 -3:45 PM: Topical Workshop
3:45 – 4:00 PM: Break
4-5 PM: Creative Writing
5-6 PM: Hang time
6 PM: Evening Prayers / Personal Meditation
6:30 PM: Dinner + Fellowship
7:30 PM: Dismissal