Farah Dadabhoy and Adaira Landry started their writing journey by taking writing classes. Many of these classes were $300-800. They also noticed that the classes were largely occupied by older, white women. They were often the only or one of few writers of color. Many of the writings they read and discussed were from white authors. At times they were involuntarily assigned as ambassadors of their race where classmates would ask for example, "Is this racist?" Driven to level the playing field to fix this disparity and create safer learning environments they teamed up to create Writing in Color: a nonprofit that focuses on teaching writers of color the craft of writing.

Our mission is to offer free classes to people of color that are taught by teachers of color, and specifically highlight the work of authors of color.

This summer we have formally partnered with Karissa Groff via the BPS Partnerships Office to create a free summer program for students of color at Boston Public Schools. These virtual courses will be free and include an educational stipend. Studies have shown a positive impact of funding students during their summer programs. There is increased attendance and engagement. Students also feel that their personal time is valuable, which is a wonderful life skill to learn early.

We have previously worked with Grub Street to recruit teachers of color with experience teaching the craft of writing. We encourage the teachers to specifically highlight writings from authors of color as a means to normalize that our voice belongs in this space.

The goal of the program is the production of a 600-1000 word essay. While students will not be obligated to publish the essay, they will get guidance on how to submit for publication or include as part of their college admissions package.

At the end of the course students will be invited to a final ceremony to read their writings in front of an audience of peers and family. Students who fully participate in the program will be offered letters of recommendation by Drs. Landry and Dadabhoy and the writing teachers to use for college applications.

Donating $200 will cover a education stipend for one student.

When you donate:

Up to $999 (Bronze Donor): Name listed on ceremony handout

$1000-$1999 (Silver Donor): Name and Photo listed on ceremony handout

$2000-$2999 (Gold Donor): Name, Photo, Bio, and Brief Message to Students listed on ceremony handout

$3000-$4999 (Platinum Donor): Name, Photo, Bio, and Brief Message to Students listed on ceremony handout and given a printed hardcopy book of all of the final student essays.

$5000+ (Diamond Donor): Name, Photo, Bio listed on ceremony handout and given a printed hardcopy book of all of the final student essays. Invited to speak live or record a message to play at ceremony.

Writing in Color is fiscally sponsored by the Nonprofit Organization for Philanthropic Initiatives, a program of NOPI INC, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 81-5089505. Learn more at https://thenopi.org.

For questions, comments, or ideas please contact ailandry@bwh.harvard.edu or farah.dadabhoy@mgh.harvard.edu.

Writing In Color with Boston Public Schools

By Writing in Color

Writing In Color with Boston Public Schools

A Summer Program To Teach Students of Color The Craft of Writing

Team Members