The Write Stuff

“Everyone has a story to tell” is a famous quote from Indian novelist Savi Sharma. “Everyone is a writer, some are written in books and some confined to hearts,” she said.

Both of these statements apply to the authors of Marion’s Peace and Freedom Committee’s publications project, funded by a 2023 Racial Equity & Justice grant from Marion Community Foundation. The project includes six first-time authors whose work seeks to help youth of color see themselves as full members of the Marion community by telling stories about people, cultures, and lived experiences in Marion. They intend the books to be used in local elementary schools.

Responding to census data that 19% of Marion’s youth live in poverty and 10.13% of adults don’t have a high school diploma, Lora Troutman said, “Poverty and lack of education lead to isolation, especially among young people of color. Writing these books is an effort to counteract that. Our books depict people and cultures in Marion that are often overlooked, but are vital to understanding Marion and its people.”

Troutman hopes the books, like the Peace & Freedom Committee, will help Marion youth strengthen their reading, writing, and public speaking skills.

Books & Authors
Lora Troutman – Color Me Friend
Kemba Hubbard – Missing Daddy
Vicki Radebaugh – Devon Misses His Mommy
Shauna McNamara – Songbird
Dana Booker – Guest Speaker
Kathleen Clemons-Keller – Madear