4-week: June 10, 17, 24, July 1 (Tuesdays) | 6 - 8 pm MT

United States History, with a capital “H.” Let’s face it. The official record pretty much ignores (and more recently, erases) the lives and stories of people of color unless these stories happen to intersect with white lives and stories. And even then, when POC history is considered, it’s often told from an outsider perspective that feels inauthentic; even, at times, condescending. In this four-week class, we’ll directly address this. We’ll consider how we pass along our stories in the face of official disinterest—oral history, family lore, “folk” tales, songs—and how different writers have used these valuable resources to bring our past to life. We’ll conduct our own research and identify potential story ideas. We’ll discuss and make decisions about character, POV, and milieu. And we’ll come away with material for a new project that will help us shed light on our pasts, connect us to our current communities, and work to expand the narrow frame of official history. Come prepared to read, write, conduct research, and discuss. Please note: there will be a bit of research conducted before the class begins, as well as a small amount of reading.