“When I say South Bend” and more 574 Stories
“When I say South Bend, I mean my South Bend,” says Lily Francis, a sophomore and young poet. Lily Francis is one of twelve local high school students who were invited to participate in 574 Stories, a five-day intensive creative writing workshop led by the South Bend Community School Corporation at Studio 304 at Main Library.
574 Stories aimed to empower young writers and share “diverse voices and perspectives.” Participating students studied literature, took field trips to several South Bend landmarks, including Studio 304 at Main Library, and wrote stories about their homes, families, and life in South Bend (South Bend Community School Corporation). Stories from the twelve students were published in an anthology titled, 574 Stories, and students shared their stories at a special reading and celebration at the Brown Community Learning Center in September.
Lily Francis, young poet and author of a few 574 Stories including “When I Say South Bend” shared her powerful story with us on social media. Lily Francis reads,“When I say South BendI mean my South BendI mean the Public Schools Unite sign on that front yardPride flags and Black Lives MatterI mean the Mulberry trees that birthe fruit for the summerI mean the Morning Man on West Washington
When I say South BendI mean the geeseAnd I mean all of themI mean the Taquería lady on Western AvenueAnd the kids down the street screaming across the front lawn in swim trunksAnd the white lady in early springLooking to see if the seeds she plantedYesterdayHave grown since then”
These unique perspectives on life in South Bend and several other 574 Stories are available at each of the Library’s branches in South Bend.
References:
Garvey, Monica. “High School Students Take Part in New ‘574 Stories’ Project.” HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE PART IN NEW “574 STORIES” PROJECT, June 22, 2022. https://www.sb.school/news/574_stories.
“SBCSC High School Students Launch ‘574 Stories’ Anthology with Public Reading and Reception,” September 23, 2022. South Bend Community School Corporation.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up