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Writers Resist: Modesto Louder!
January 15, 2017 @ 6:30 pm PST - 9:00 pm PST
Official Press Release:
MODESTO WRITERS JOIN NATIONWIDE EFFORT TO “RE-INAUGURATE” DEMOCRACY
“Writers Resist” Event Planned Locally
for January 15th, 2017
MODESTO, California, December 31, 2016 — A recent Facebook post unleashed a nationwide movement of writers organizing and promoting independent “Writers Resist” events to reclaim democracy planned for January 15, 2017.
The flagship Writers Resist event, founded by poet Erin Bilieu and co-sponsored by PEN America, will feature famous literary figures braving January weather on the steps of the Public Library in New York City to read historic and contemporary writings on the ideals of democracy and free expression. Additional Writers Resist events, are being held in Boston, Los Angeles, Oakland, Austin, Portland, Omaha, Seattle, London, Zurich, Hong Kong, and many more cities.
Locally, the City of Modesto’s poet laureate, Stella Beratlis—along with writer Shanyn Vitti Avila and poet Elizabeth Sousa—is organizing Writers Resist: Modesto in response to concern during the recent Presidential campaign over public cynicism, disdain for truthfulness, and the unleashing of hatred and bigotry. Beratlis, a longtime member of the League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County, wanted to present an event which might galvanize Modesto audiences to become active in the civic life of the community, support nonprofits that address social justice issues, and network with like-minded people while having fun.
Thirty readers, including Lillian Vallee, Manny Moreno, Trudy Wischemann, Sam Pierstorff, Flora Carter, Paula Treick DeBoard, Aishah Saleh, Nancy Maya, Chad Sokolovsky, Optimism One, and many others are scheduled to read their own work plus selections from the Constitution and from diverse voices addressing the ideals of democracy and free expression.
The Modesto event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Prospect Theater, 1214 K Street in downtown Modesto on Sunday, January 15, starting at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Organizers will be raising funds at the event to support the work of the Modesto Peace/Life Center, specifically to help underwrite its planned radio station.
Writers and interested public who want to attend can visit www.writersresist.org for a list of cities holding readings. To contact local organizers, please write to writersresistmodesto@gmail.com or call 209-613-9283
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Writers Resist (www.writersresist.org) is a national network of writers driven to #WriteOurDemocracy by defending the ideals of a free, just and compassionate democratic society. #WritersResist