JCAL Reads Returns: Here's what you need to know

Through a grant from Humanities New York, JCAL Reads will return next month, via Zoom, to Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL). JCAL Reads is a free community program devoted to reading and discussing socially relevant, thought-provoking literature.

Running four Tuesdays over Zoom—from Feb. 22 to March 15, all at 7pm—JCAL Reads will celebrate the legendary Audre Lorde, a self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” who dedicated her life and creative talents to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia. The program is free and anyone can participate. No books are required. JCAL will supply all the readings. RSVPs are preferred, and can be made here. Using Your Silence Will Not Protect You!—The Writing of Audre Lorde as a featured text, JCAL Reads will provides opportunities every week to read and discuss Lorde’s powerful voice, as documented in her poems, essays, speeches, bio-mythography and cancer journals.

Also returning as Facilitator of JCAL Reads is Stephanie D. Delia, an immigration attorney for nearly 10 years and owner and managing attorney of the Law Office of Stephanie D. Delia. Prior to launching her private practice, Delia was managing attorney at CUNY Citizenship Now, City Council Services, New York City’s largest College-based immigration program. Delia is not only an immigration attorney, but a passionate advocate for her clients and their families.

“Words cannot begin to express how excited I am to facilitate the next 4 sessions of JCAL Reads, featuring Audre Lorde. Her words are as timeless as they are inspiring. “If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me, and eaten alive” is one of my favorite quotes and I look forward to rediscovering her work with fellow JCAL Reads attendees.”