[WAC-list] Minnie Bruce Pratt visits UWO as a writer in residence

["Andrea Shay" <zenbuddha@new.rr.com>]

On March 9th and 10th, 2004, Minnie Bruce Pratt, an award-winning
lesbian writer, anti-racist activist, and longtime fighter for women's
liberation, is visiting the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as a writer
in residence. An Alabama native who directly challenges her white
Southern heritage, Pratt has devoted her life and her writing to social
justice issues, particularly to work against homophobia and racism.
Pratt was among three lesbian writers (along with Chrystos and Audre
Lorde) honored in 1991 by the Fund for Free Expression, given to writers
"victimized by political persecution." She has published five books of
poetry, several of which have won prestigious awards, including *Crime
Against Nature*, which was recognized by both the Academy of American
Poets and the American Library Association. Pratt was one of three
co-authors of *Yours in Struggle: Three Feminist Perspectives on
Anti-Semitism and Racism*, a classic in Women's Studies. Both her
collection of essays, *Rebellion*, and her book of prose stories about
gender boundary crossing, *S/HE*, were finalists for major awards.

While visiting UWO, Pratt will be giving a free public reading and
discussion of her work on Wednesday, March 10th, at 7pm in Reeve 202.
Before and during the event, free refreshments will be served, and her
books will be available for purchase. She will also be guest lecturing
two classes that are open for all students to attend. On Tuesday night,
March 9th, her guest lecture is in Polk 20, from 6-7:30pm, and on
Wednesday, her guest lecture is in Clow 131, from 2-3:30pm. Pratt will
also be working one-on-one with five UWO creative writing students, who
have already been selected. Additionally, a reception will be held for
her in the Multicultural Education Center on Tuesday, from 4-5:30pm. All
events are free, so please take advantage of this great opportunity by
attending the reception, the reading, or one of the guest lectures.

For more information, or if you need childcare to attend the March 10th
evening reading, please contact me by email (zenbuddha@new.rr.com).

Thank you,
Andrea Shay

Co-Director
Women's Advocacy Council
http://www.uwosh.edu/wac

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi