Rondo: History & Values Anthology
We are excited to announce our Rondo: History & Values Anthology.
PROMPT: How do you live out the Rondo Values?
Submit using this form.
This writing competition aims to raise awareness about the history and values of the Rondo community and inspire Black literary artists to use the arts to create social change.
THE CORE VALUES OF THE RONDO COMMUNITY
As of 2020, Data USA revealed that 6.11% of the nation’s literary artists are Black or African American. This reveals a cultural need to foster absent narratives and preserve culture. This project addresses that by creating space for storytelling while also addressing the need for literary artists in the Black community.
Rondo Spirit
By the 1930s, the majority of the African American residents called Rondo home as did critical community businesses, organizations, and institutions.
In the late 1950s, the tight-knit community and economic hub were shattered by the construction of I-94. It split the Rondo neighborhood and forced the evacuation and relocation of hundreds of people and businesses. One in every eight African Americans in St. Paul lost a home to I-94. Many businesses never re-opened.
Since that time, the Rondo spirit has continued to live on.
We welcome submissions from those:
living in Saint Paul
of African American Heritage
of all ages
We welcome less than 1,000 words from any of these categories:
fiction or creative fiction
prose or poetry
Writing prompts:
How do you live out the Rondo values? (Core Rondo values HERE)
What is one leadership action you can take to strengthen the Rondo community?
25 winners will receive:
$100
a copy of the published book
This activity is supported, in part, by the City of Saint Paul Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization Program.
To support the writing journey, you’ll find tips and inspiration in the videos below.