Today on Women’s Magazine we listen to a part of an interview that Kate Raphael did with the late great lesbian feminist author Elana Dykewomon in 2010. But before that we are gonna talk to two youth Alejandro and Aaliyah, who are creating and defining community as residents of the Youth Spirit artworks Tiny House Empowerment Village in Oakland. We will hear their writings that are coming out in a new book to be released next month. We will also talk to Alexandria Wilson to give us an overview of how the Tiny Village works. Alexandria is a case management worker at the Tiny Village. And lastly we are joined by mumjahdah) MameDiarra Abdur Rahman who was a former RA at the Tiny Village.
Since opening in the winter of 2021, the Youth Spirit Artworks Tiny House Empowerment Village (THEV) has provided housing for houseless youth between the ages of 18 and 23. Beyond shelter, however, THEV has also become a community—a place where young people can build friendships, make art, and think critically about the world they want to build. It was this atmosphere of community that gave rise to the THEV writing group, founded in June 2021 by facilitator Zoe Mosko who will also be joining us . Last month, the group published a book entitled “It Takes A Village: Tiny Houses, Big Voices” and they will be having a book launch on Friday, November 4 where members of the public will be invited for book readings, music, food, and the opportunity to purchase the book. The event is free, and will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Tiny House Village.