Clementinos is the third anthology of work produced by students in the Clemente Course in the Humanities.
Mass Humanities celebrates the publication of Clementinos: Voices from the Clemente Writing Project, a new book featuring writing by Massachusetts residents who share their understanding of the Commonwealth through lived experiences in Brockton, Dorchester, Holyoke, New Bedford, Springfield, and Worcester.
The contributors participated in the Clemente Course in the Humanities, an acclaimed adult education program based in the six cities. Published in partnership with University of Massachusetts Press Clementinos features poems and essays from twenty-three students as well as three faculty members.
Clementinos is the third collection of student essays produced by Mass Humanities and arrives as the organization celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. Five publication events are planned through the end of the year.
“This anthology is a significant contribution to our understanding of Massachusetts,” said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities. “The writers chronicle journeys that include experiences as immigrants and as parents, struggles with addiction and houselessness, and, ultimately, their remarkable achievements in the humanities and in their communities.”
The Clemente Course provides opportunities for residents from systemically and historically excluded communities to build new connections and take the next step in their educational journeys. Studying history, literature, philosophy, art history, and creative writing, graduates earn up to six free college credits from Bard College. Each year, Mass Humanities offers the free classes in partnership with Brockton Public Library, the Care Center in Holyoke, Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester, Martin Luther King Family Services of Springfield, PACE, Inc., in New Bedford, and Worcester County Poetry Association.
The book is the result of summer writing courses taught by Corey Dolgon and Lucia Knoles, and features essays by Dolgon and Clemente Course faculty Ousmane Power-Greene, Aminah Pilgrim, Amy Richter. The book’s cover features artwork by student and contributor Jess Rivera of Springfield.
“The people who made this book possible are proof that education can happen in many different places and at many different points in our lives,” said Boyles. “They inspire each of us to consider the wisdom and talent that exists in our neighborhoods and the ways that the humanities grow stronger when we listen to each other.”
“As a mission-driven, public university press, we are proud to work with Mass Humanities and the Clemente program,” said Mary Dougherty, director of UMass Press. “Part of our mandate is to serve the interconnected communities of the Commonwealth, including students, scholars, and citizens, and providing a first-rate publishing experience for the Clemente authors is important to us. We applaud the goals of the Clemente program and are happy to be part of amplifying the voices of these student-authors.”
Book launch celebrations will be held throughout the summer and fall:
- Worcester: Saturday, July 27th, 12-2pm, Salisbury House
- Springfield: Sunday, July 28th, 2-4pm, Olive Tree Bookstore
- Holyoke: Wednesday, August 14th, 12:30-2pm, Wistariahurst
- Brockton: Sunday, September 15th, Sunrise Steakhouse
- Boston: Tuesday, October 1st, justBook-ish
For more information about the events or to request a copy of the book, contact Wes DeShano, Communications Manager, Mass Humanities at wdeshano@masshumanities.org.
