On November 22, Buckham Arts Collective Literary Collaborators will present “Born For Such a Time as This” publication release event with reading and reception with the authors at 2 PM.
Buckham Arts Collective Literary Collaborators who contributed to this anthology: Bob Campbell, Connor Coyne, Nic Custer, Vivian Kao, Tim Lane, Jenifer Fernandes Veloso, and Jan Worth.
"This second Buckham Artist Collaborators anthology, Born For Such a Time as This, is the next addition to that evolving annual tradition. This year’s theme comes from the Book of Esther imploring one to show faith through solidarity with others and action against the injustices they face. Larger society will survive its current struggles but your choice to remain silent is its own form of complicity and will eventually guarantee your destruction. The Old Testament passage continues, almost as a consolation prize, “And who knows whether you were not born for such a time as this.” This verse is as humanist as it is religious, evokes active intervention as much as it does passive faith. Our contemporary world is rich with opportunities to speak out and act, whether bringing baby formula by boat to fight back against the televised ethnic cleansing and genocide of indigenous peoples, or calling out corruption, cruelty and greed under threat of arrest. But hope rises from the leveling equality of the odds, the agnostic 50/50 chance of success challenging a pre-destined fate. The only certainty guaranteed is you will fail if you never try. So, why not have faith that this moment of great struggle is being met by the right actors?
Each of the seven collected writers consider this millennia old wisdom in meeting the different crises of our moment. Concerns range from fear and anger over the far-right chokehold on U.S. politics, to accelerating environmental collapse, and the duty to call out emboldened racists. These writers, who all show great pride of place, also reveal the power of local actions and communities coming together in solidarity. The poetry, fiction and essays in this collection find power in nuance, in small acts of hope and resistance like walking with a neighbor or protestors assured their unity will cause oppressors to weep. These diverse writers consider the disappearing luxuries associated with aging, progress and uncertainty. They address generational responsibilities towards affecting change or how the daily dangers and resentments in one’s front yard are just as pressing as those on our intergalactic doorstep. Each author finds power in action, bravely facing absurdity and rallying a cry of defiance." N. Custer
Buckham Gallery, located at 121 W. Second Street, Flint, MI 48502, with FREE admission and is open to the public.
Also check out other Arts events in Flint, Literary Art events in Flint, Nonprofit events in Flint.
