News Release

Carl Sandburg Writer-in-Residence Tony Robles to Lead Virtual Writing Workshops

News Release Date: July 30, 2020

Contact: Public Information Officer, 8286934178

The 2020 Carl Sandburg Writer-in-Residence, Anthony “Tony” Robles, will offer three free virtual writing workshops, on August 16, 30, and September 13, each with a unique theme. The free workshops are hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Zoom for the virtual connection.

Carl Sandburg was often referred to as “The Poet of the People” as his writings reflected the struggles, joys and everyday life of the people. He also wrote about tumultuous events like the 1919 Chicago Race Riots, great depression and World War II. Sandburg used his words to bring attention to social issues that were affecting the people and communities around him. Mr. Robles’ workshops follow Sandburg’s tradition.

The first workshop, “Our Poetry is the Best Part of Our Struggle – Writing for Social Justice,” will be held on Sunday, August 16, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Writing has been instrumental in establishing narratives for communities to forge understandings of social justice issues.  Join Tony Robles and co-host Crystal Cauley of the Black History Collective of Henderson County for a storytelling through writing workshop which will include Henderson County's black history and a vision for change.

The second workshop, “Writing Out of Quarantine,” will be held on Sunday, August 30, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused its share of uncertainty and anxiety. People are reading and reflecting more about the kind of world they want to see post-pandemic. Join Tony Robles for a workshop that will help unmask those thoughts and visions from quarantine, using writing to heal and empower.

The third workshop, “Home is where Hendo is – Finding Place and Home in Writing and Storytelling,” will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Henderson County is home to many people from many different parts of the country and world. What brings people to Western North Carolina? What do people bring to Henderson County from other places? Has being in this part of the country changed your perspective on the meaning of home? Join Tony Robles as he leads this workshop that travels into the heart of home and the heart of Hendo.

Space for each session is limited to 12 participants. Please sign up here.

Tony Robles was born in San Francisco and is the nephew of Filipino-American poet, historian, and social justice activist Al Robles. He was a shortlist nominee for poet laureate of San Francisco in 2017 and the recipient of the San Francisco Art Commission individual literary artist grant in 2018. His two books of poetry and short stories, “Cool Don’t Live Here No More—A letter to San Francisco” and “Fingerprints of a Hunger Strike,” take on the issues of eviction, gentrification and police violence in communities of color. He is also the author of two children’s books, "Lakas and the Manilatown Fish" and "Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel."

The annual Writer-in-Residence program is supported by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara. The Friends promote vital education initiatives for teachers, students and the public. Learn more about them at FriendsofCarlSandburg.org.

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service. For further information please telephone [phone], or visit our website at: www.nps.gov/carl.