Literary calendar for the week of June 5

Mary Ann Grossmann, Pioneer Press
·5 min read

GABRIELLE CIVIL: California-based Black feminist performance artist, poet and writer hosts an evening of performance and poetry celebrating the release of “the deja vu: black dreams and black time” (Coffee House Press), which draws movement, speech and lyric essay into a performance memoir that considers Haitian tourist paintings, dance rituals, race at the movies, Black feminist legacies and more.

With guests Douglas Kearney, Mire Regulus and Sayge Carroll. 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., presented by Rain Taxi Review. Free and open to the public.

ROBIN HENLEY: In conversation with Minnesota author Julie Schumacher about Henley’s book “Oblivion,” a study in what makes writers write. 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8. In-store. Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

ASHLEY STOYANOV OJEDA: Discusses “Jefa in Training: The Business StartupToolkit for Entrepreneurial and Creative Women.” 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7. Virtual event. Presented by Magers & Quinn in partnership with The Coven. Registration information at magersandquinn.com.

KYLE “GUANTE” TRAN MYHRE: Introduces his new book, “Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing, but Enough,” which explores the relationship between art and activism that is deeper than just specific pieces of art and what they are about. He argues that beyond its content, art can be about building relationships, curating experiences, and expanding possibilities.

He will be joined by Maricella Xiong and Chavah Gabrielle of the APT Collective, made up of 6 BIOPIC Queer creatives dedicated to developing community around shared vision and goals for joy, artistry, and liberation. 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8. Virtual event. Presented by SubText Books via Crowdcast. Information at subtextbooks.com.

STORIES WE WEAR: A creative writing, reading, and discussion workshop that invites solidarity with the workers who make our clothes. Presented by East Side Freedom Library, led by local poet, writer and activist Alison Morse.

Attendees are invited to share experiences with their clothing and connect clothes to two historic events; the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York that killed 146 garment workers, and the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013 in Bangladesh in which 1,132 workers in five garment factories lost their lives, as well as current activism on behalf of workers in today’s global garment industry. It isn’t necessary to be a writer to participate. 10 a.m. Saturday, June 11, ESFL, 1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul. Email Alison by June 8 at yackmor@talkimage.org to sign up for workshop participation and receive a set of readings to peruse prior to the event. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, there will be a reading at the library, live-streamed for the public.

ROB VOLPE: Discusses “Tell me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation At a Time.” 7 p.m. Monday, June 6. In-store. Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON

Brandon Brundidge is a proud 9-year-old after receiving a personal letter from the president.

President Joe Biden sent a letter and another message to Brandon about “Brandon Spots His Sign,” a book written by his mom, Sheletta. It’s the third in Sheletta’s series of books based on experiences with three of her four children who have autism. People know her as a producer at WCCO, a comedian and host of seven podcasts, as well as being a mentor for parents of autistic children.

Her book about Brandon was inspired by the family’s vacation in a trailer park in the South. All over the park were signs that said “Go Brandon,” a slogan that mocked Biden. But Brandon didn’t know the signs were political. He thought the entire park was cheering for him.

A copy of the book made its way to the White House because Sheletta was sitting around talking with Cathy Wurzer, host of TPT’s Almanac program, after they taped an episode.

“I was like ‘Girl, wouldn’t it be a hoot if the president got a copy of my book and read it? I think he’d he’d get a kick out of how I flipped the Let’s Go Brandon slogan from an insult into a sign of support for kids with autism,'” she recalled.

Wurzer told her to send a book to her congressperson because there is a White House liaison whose job it is to communicate with the president.

The next day Sheletta, who has more energy than 10 other people, went to the Cottage Grove post office and mailed books to Dean Phillips and Angie Craig. U.S. Rep. Phillips, who represents Minnesota’s 3rd District, “went the extra mile and a block” by personally placing Brandon’s book into the president’s hands, according to Sheletta.

Here is Biden’s letter to Brandon:

“Your mom sent me a copy of the book she wrote about you, and I loved it. You are an inspiration to me and certainly to so many other people who have read ‘Brandon Spots His Sign.’

“I also know what it feels like to be a little different — I stuttered as a child, and some kids could be really mean. But remember, you are stronger because you persevere. Never forget that you are defined by your character and courage. I am proud of you, Brandon. Stay kind, curious, and fearless.”

Later, when Phillips was a guest on Brandon’s podcast (Simply Autistic Siblings) he brought another message from the president, urging Brandon to “pay it forward” with kindness.

Sheletta, who has donated books to many local organizations, is in Uvalde this week to donate books to help children heal in the Texas town where 19 children and two teachers were killed by a lone shooter. She will also donate a thousand books to the library three blocks from the school for kids who survived the ordeal, with funding from Children’s Minnesota and General Mills.

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