New anthology has College of Arts and Sciences connections
July 5, 2017
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- A new anthology that explores the theme of immigration and what it means to be a neighbor features several contributors who have connections to Western Michigan University and the College of Arts and Sciences.
“Immigration & Justice For Our Neighbors” contains poetry, essays and interviews from 36 individuals, many from Kalamazoo and the surrounding area. The anthology focuses on themes such as how hospitality is shown to others and what it means to be a foreigner and traveler in today’s world.
The 116-page anthology benefits Justice for Our Neighbors, an organization that provides immigration legal services and advocacy in Kalamazoo. It is edited by Jennifer Clark and Miriam Downey and published by Celery City Books. Scott Matteson designed the book’s cover.
Having sold out of its first 400 copies in less than two months, the book has gone into a second printing. “We couldn't be more excited that the anthology is doing so well,” says Downey. “The feedback has been wonderful. Readers have been impressed by the quality of writing as well as the prominent poets and writers included in the anthology.”
WMU CONTRIBUTORS
Aspiring young poets who have roots in Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Mexico and Tajikistan are surrounded by well-known Michigan talents. Several contributors are WMU Arts and Sciences alumni, including Nicholas Baxter, co-editor Jennifer Clark, and distinguished alumna Bonnie Jo Campbell. Hedy Habra, instructor of Spanish, and Alison Swan, faculty specialist for the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, are also featured.
Joining the WMU contributors are prominent poets and writers from across America, including Naomi Shihab Nye, Teresa Mei Chuc, Scott Russell Sanders, Jim Daniels, and Ted Kooser, the 13th Poet Laureate of the United States.
The WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society is working to bring the co-editors and several of the anthology contributors together for a reading and panel discussion this fall. The program, “Immigrant to Neighbor: Journeying through Hope and Fear,” will take place Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Bernhard Center’s Brown and Gold Room. The event is free and open to the public.
KPL’S BOOK CLUB IN A BAG
The anthology is part of the Kalamazoo Public Library’s Book Club in a Bag. Karen Trout, Reading Together coordinator for the Kalamazoo Public Library says, “KPL’s 2016 social justice resolution includes the statement: ‘KPL values compassion and champions everyone’s right to be welcome in a safe environment in the library and in the wider community.’ Adding this title to our Book Club in a Bag collection--and encouraging local dialogue about the issue of immigration--is a perfect way to put this institutional commitment into action.” Book Club in a Bag is open to all Kalamazoo Public Library district resident cardholders.
In addition to finding the anthology at local libraries, it is also available at the following locations:
- Bookbug (3019 Oakland Drive)
- Michigan News Agency (308 W. Michigan Ave.)
- Kzoo Books (2413 Parkview Ave.)
- Tudor House Tea & Spice (352 S. Kalamazoo Mall in downtown Kalamazoo)
- First United Methodist Church (212 S. Park)
Books can also be obtained by mail by completing an order form at http://www.umc-kzo.org/JFON