Veterans Day event will feature a discussion with activist and former Guantanamo Muslim Chaplain Capt. James Yee, Warrior Writers workshop, and poetic performance
In commemoration of Veterans Day, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and Newark Public Library will host an extraordinary event highlighting the arts and humanities as avenues for healing from military-related trauma on November 10.
The multipart event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., November 10, at the library’s main branch, 5 Washington St., Newark. The event is free and open to all, and a free lunch will be provided for all attendees.
(11 a.m.-noon) Capt. James Yee
Capt. James Yee served as an Army chaplain at Guantanamo Bay in the early 2000s and was accused of espionage when he reported the abuse of prisoners. Ever since the charges were dropped, Yee has been an activist for military justice while pursuing artistic expression as part of his healing. He will discuss his experiences in conversation with Janet McIntosh, Ph.D., author and professor of anthropology at Brandeis University.
(1-2 p.m.) Warrior Writers Info Session and Performance
Following a free lunch for all attendees, the event will feature an information session and poetic theatrical performance, “Bridge Back Home from War,” by Jan Barry and Jenny Pacanowski, both military veterans who lead efforts to heal veterans through poetry, performance, and writing.
The information session will introduce attendees to Warrior Writers, a veteran-focused arts organization that fosters artistic exploration through writing, painting, photography, and other media, and Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, an integration program for women veterans that utilizes writing and performance to empower experiences and facilitate skills to thrive in daily life.
RSVP not required but kindly requested to assist in planning efforts.
Featured Image: “Guantanamo Prayers for Freedom” by James Yee
