August 1, 2015
Sha-Tonya shares her voice through spoken word
Being young and having faced traumatic experiences, children in foster care often feel they have no voice. SOS Children’s Villages believes the children in our care need to be heard.
One Family Illinois is proud of Sha-Tonya, who shares her voice through poetry and spoken word. Sha-Tonya recently participated in a writing workshop with Young Chicago Authors at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Known for its “Louder Than A Bomb” documentary and festival, Young Chicago Authors creates opportunities for young people to engage in civic discourse and community celebration through writing, publication, and performance education. Sha-Tonya received a scholarship to attend a week-long workshop that included intensive training in writing and performing, as well as visits to Chicago cultural sites.
Young Chicago Authors Artistic Director, Kevin Koval recognized that Sha-Tonya has “something special.” She pushed herself beyond her comfort zone, beyond the Village, and even presented her work at a final spoken-word performance, where two One Family Illinois Foster Parents joined in the audience. Sha-Tonya continues to practice writing and performing at open mics. We are proud of Sha-Tonya and are honored to support her as she develops her talent and shares her voice!