PPGJLI Writing Contest Explores Racial Justice, Healing and the Black Experience

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Sept. 29, 2021 - PRLog -- Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) founder, Dr. Artika Tyner, announced that the non-profit organization will be conducting a youth writing contest called Aya: An Anthology of Racial Justice, Healing and the Black Experience. Winning entries will receive a $50 honorarium and a copy of the published book. Entries must be received before midnight on Dec. 31, 2021.

The word Aya is a West African Adinkra symbol represented by a stylized fern. In the Akan language Twi, it means fern and is representative of endurance, resourcefulness, and defiance against oppression. The concept is much like the hardy fern plant that perseveres, grows, and thrives in the most unlikely of places.

The PPGJLI competition is open to St. Paul residents of African American heritage that are ages 13 to 18. The Aya-themed contest seeks poems, prose, fiction, and creative nonfiction of up to 1,000 words. Submissions must be original pieces that relate to "Racial Justice and the Black Experience" or "Racial Healing and the Black Experience."

Made possible through a grant from the Saint Paul STAR Program, youth authors will be selected by a panel of community judges. Winning entries will be published in the anthology. Upon publication, the selected authors will participate in public readings and other community-building activities. Entries can be submitted online (https://www.ppgjli.org/youth-anthology).

The young writers' anthology is a companion project to the PPGJLI's Sankofa Teach-In series and art exhibition. The PPGJLI is utilizing art in various ways to promote change in society and inspire young artists to be the leaders of tomorrow who will be leading the charge.

Aya: An Anthology of Racial Justice Healing and the Black Experience (https://www.ppgjli.org/youth-anthology) is a unique opportunity for young, aspiring writers, authors, and poets to share their experiences, perspective, and potential solutions. For many, it's a way to begin the healing process for themselves, their contemporaries, and those that will come after them.