June is here!

Our Director John Rich took a trip to Slovenia to attend the International Cities of Refuge Network conference, our Marketing Coordinator finished up her Master’s program, and we graduated yet another terrific intern, Anna Hayden-Roy. So between our fabulous REVEAL 25 birthday party and now—a lot has happened.

But that’s not slowing us down.

June is packed full of events coming up quick: On Saturday, June 7, we’ll be celebrating the birthday of Gwendolyn Books in our second annual Brooksday—a marathon reading of her poetry, including performances, drumming, and a lineup of amazing readers. We’re paying tribute to her life and work in style.

Since Brooksday is happening at the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest, we decided to stick around an extra day to showcase even more Chicago talent. On Sunday, June 8, myriad literary groups from across Chicago will be bringing their bright, emerging writers out for readings and performances, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

This month’s Applied Words brings together funny and profound writers, storytellers, and hip-hop artists to talk about Black Vernacular at the Arts Incubator. You won’t want to miss it.

Of course, we’re also presenting a smashing Palabra Pura on June 18, curated by the stellar Diana Pando. She’s put together an unbeatable duo of Latina voices—we’ll also be opening the mic up to all of those who wish to share their voices.

Head’s up: We’ll be flash-mobbing Printers Ball on June 28 with a very special Palabra Pura, as well. Keep an eye out for details.

And finally, our fearless leader John Rich will be moderating a conversation on writing and exile, taking place at Victory Gardens on the 29th. Since organizing Poets of Protest, traveling to Slovenia to represent Chicago a potential city of refuge for exiled writers, and building support to bring Chicago into the ICORN family—he’ll be sharing his passion and knowledge with other writers and a captivated audience.

Can’t stop, won’t stop. See you in the sun.