VONA/Voices to Relocate from Berkeley to Miami

A spokesperson for VONA/Voices reports that the organization, which is the only multi-genre workshop for writers of color in the nation, is moving from the San Francisco-Bay Area to Miami. It will take up residence at the University of Miami. Via VONA/Voices:

VONA/Voices, the only multi-genre workshop for writers of color in the nation founded in 1999 by Elmaz Abinader,
Junot Díaz, Victor Díaz and Diem Jones at the University of San Francisco, is moving to UM. Up til now, VONA has made its home at the University of California at Berkeley.

Their workshops have touched the lives of over 2,000 writers from around the globe who have participated, and more than 100 alums have published books.

It is the goal of the program, according to co-founder & executive director of VONA / Voices Diem Jones, to provide developing writers a place where they can explore their craft in an atmosphere of support and understanding, where they can exchange ideas and experience. “It’s not enough to impart knowledge to them, we need to share our experiences as writers-of-color as well, give them a path, confidence and community.”

There are 2 sessions this summer at UM- and the attendance thus far is the highest it has ever been:

* June 21-27 and
* June 28-July 4

and on both Thursdays (June 25 & July 2) Books & Books is hosting readings by the faculty.

Pulitzer Prize winner and MacArthur Genius grant recipient Junot Diaz headlines an all star cast of VONA faculty/writers as readers on Thursday, June 25, 7pm at Coral Gables Congregational Church. [...]

Learn more at VONA/Voices.