Come listen!

All of us at Project Bridging Cultures are busy getting ready for our January 31 event at the South Philadelphia library. Here is the official announcement:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

You're invited! For the third year in a row, the Welcoming Center is hosting a One Book, One Philadelphia event. On January 31, 2009, join us for Making Our Home Here: Young Philadelphians Tell Their Stories.

Fans of our previous events may remember the format: Personal, engaging performances of essays by young Philadelphians both new and native-born.

Building off of the One Book selection of The Soloist, this year's theme focuses on home. Whether crossing the ocean or crossing the street, youth in Philadelphia have plenty of experience in making a home in our city.

From Burma to Broad Street, our event will spotlight art, essays, and stories from teens who are creating their own visions of home. Join Project Bridging Cultures staff and students for an afternoon of stories with humor, affection, and emotion.

One Book, One Philadelphia's 2009 selection:
The Soloist by Steve Lopez: A story about the friendship between a journalist and a classically-trained musician who is homeless.

Date: SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2009
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Location: South Philadelphia Library
1700 South Broad Street
RSVP: Isabelle Rambo
215-557-2845
isabelle@welcomingcenter.org
Cost: FREE


We look forward to seeing you!

What we've been up to lately

From our December report, here are some updates about what we've been up to, in addition to some information about our upcoming event:

December was History and Memory month at Project Bridging Cultures. Here are some things we did with students:

• We discussed the history of fast food restaurants and superheroes in English Conversation Club
• We created scenes of imaginary cities in Art Club
• We read the historical novel The Red Badge of Courage with students in class
• We made a visit to Independence National Historical Park, where we learned about the symbolism of the Liberty Bell
• We had a showing of “Dinka Diaries,” a documentary about young Sudanese refugees who have resettled in Philadelphia
• We had a party to celebrate the holidays

In January, we will focus on theme of Art and Culture. We will be discussing this year’s One Book, One Philadelphia selection, The Soloist. We will also be holding an event called “Making Our Home Here” at the South Philadelphia Library (Broad and Morris) on January 31. We encourage students to contribute writing and artwork to the event. For more information, visit Room 217B.