Operating Support
Operating Support
The Givens Foundation for African American Literature is dedicated to enriching cultural understanding and learning through programs that advance and celebrate African American literature and writers.
Peggy Burnet: Businesswoman, art collector, and community volunteer. Chair of the Nominating Committee, Smithsonian National Board. Trustee, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Uri Camarena: Business consultant, Metropolitan Economic Development Association. Board chair, Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Officer at-large, Minnesota State Arts Board; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Secretary/Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse: Mayor of Red Wing, elected 2016. Former executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Philip McKenzie, Oboe and English horn player; adjunct oboe faculty, NDSU; Mary McReynolds-Pellinen: Executive director, Lyric Center for the Arts; coordinator, First Stage Gallery; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund.; Christina Widdess: Arts organization consultant; former managing director, Penumbra Theatre. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.
Peggy Burnet: Businesswoman, art collector, and community volunteer. Chair of the Nominating Committee, Smithsonian National Board. Trustee, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Uri Camarena: Business consultant, Metropolitan Economic Development Association. Board chair, Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Officer at-large, Minnesota State Arts Board; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Secretary/Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Sean Dowse: Mayor of Red Wing, elected 2016. Former executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Philip McKenzie, Oboe and English horn player; adjunct oboe faculty, NDSU; Mary McReynolds-Pellinen: Executive director, Lyric Center for the Arts; coordinator, First Stage Gallery; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund.; Christina Widdess: Arts organization consultant; former managing director, Penumbra Theatre. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.
ACHF Arts Access
Increase student and educator enjoyment and cultural understanding of literature by black authors, thru artist-led, K-12 literary arts residencies. Surveys of students, classroom teachers, teaching artists. Assess student writing for understanding, growth in social and emotional learning, impact on reading, writing, critical thinking. 2: Engage diverse communities with literature by black writers: readings, mentorships, community workshops, podcasts, author presentations, conferences. Participant surveys and community conversations used to assess programs' effectiveness in advancing understanding of and access to literature by black writers.
Students and teachers in two elementary schools increased their understanding, knowledge, and appreciation for Black American Literature. Pre and post-surveys were given to students and post-surveys administered to teaches and school administrator at the two schools.86% of students surveyed reported increased awareness and knowledge of Black literature and writers. 78% of students indicated they enjoyed reading more after participating. 2: Partnered with governmental, non-profit, and for-profit literary organizations to expose Minnesota audiences to Black American Literature. Onsite surveys conducted by organization and onsite partners reveal participants indicated learning more about Black American literature after attending events that featured such authors, writers, and spoken word artists.
Other, local or private