Writing & Reciting returns to Auburn Library

After more than a year away, Auburn Hip Hop Congress (AHHC) is bringing one of its longest-running programs back to where it started. "Writing & Reciting," a free weekly creative writing program for young people ages 16–25, is returning to the Auburn Library, 350 Nevada Street in Auburn, following the completion of the recent remodel. Writing & Reciting became AHHC's first funded project in 2011. It was inspired by a group of young aspiring rappers and writers. "We already worked with a large network of experienced artists, so it seemed like a natural fit to bring both groups together," said AHHC co-founder Natalie Zapata. The library became an early supporter and longtime home for the program. "Coming back is exciting and renewing," Zapata said. "It really feels like coming home." The timing also feels right organizationally. AHHC is coming off several major projects, and the team has grown to include some incredible young people and artists. Each week features a different topic and facilitator, often led by a local or traveling hip-hop artist. Sessions cover lyric writing, poetry, personal reflection, storytelling, hip hop, open mics, participant-led classes and other topics relevant to the group and the times. Sessions tend to be highly motivational, almost like an interactive TED Talk mixed with a creative writing workshop. Writing & Reciting is for whoever is drawn to it. Over the years, the population has shifted and the program has adapted to meet the needs of the people in the room. Generally, the program attracts writers, musicians, creatives and people interested in hip-hop. For this round, AHHC is focusing on ages 16 and up so participants have room to express themselves freely. A typical session begins with a short exercise and introductions, followed by a lesson and writing time. Sessions usually close with participants sharing what they wrote, and sometimes a cypher. Over the years, AHHC has seen participants grow in confidence, improve their writing, build friendships and become artists and leaders themselves. "Most people probably have no idea how cool it is to have something like this happening in little old Auburn." Zapata said success can happen even when only one person attends. "Success might mean someone who is depressed or has had a stressful week gets to at least smile and feel better for a couple of hours," she said. "This program can be very emotionally healing." AHHC hopes the return to the library will introduce Writing & Reciting to a new generation while preserving what has made the program work for more than a decade: flexibility, creativity, connection and an open door. "This is an important program because it offers a space for people to creatively connect – for free." Upcoming classes are Thursdays from 6–8 p.m. in October and include "My Story" with Dre-T of Foreign Native and Sacramento Area Youth Speaks on Oct. 1; an Open Mic hosted by hip hop duo The Difference on Oct. 8; "Whose World is It?" Hip Hop & Climate Change with Paul Willis on Oct. 15; and Songwriting, Recording & Sampling with Raza on Oct. 30.