photo by steed media service

Illiteracy is a virulent career cancer that, in Detroit, has become a pervasive social malady that Alana Wright works to purge from her community. The education outreach coordinator for the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts has appropriated the weight of the historic institution to help eradicate illiteracy and other adolescent ills through artistic expression, exploration and enlightenment. Wright is spearheading the Words and Rhythm of the D, an avant-garde youth-based campaign that’s designed to help high school students navigate their spiritual substance and the world around them through the powerful platform of poetry.

“I think that [because of] Detroit and its negative stigma, the masses in this country have a short-sighted view of what Detroit youth have to offer,” she says, her words coated in compassion. “And they’re extremely intelligent. They have a lot to say. And we’re trying to provide some small stage — but it’s still a stage — as an outlet for them and their fellow peers.” Words and Rhythm is making stops at different venues throughout the city between April and June. It concludes with a book of poetry featuring Detroit students that can be purchased at area McDonald’s. Wright says the gratification from working on these types of Music Hall initiatives is immense.

“It’s very, very rewarding. Where do I begin?” Wright beams. “There are endless rewards working with Detroit youth. They provide insight. They have more insight than a lot of adults do. And they’re a lot more honest than a lot of adults are. And they’re extremely talented.” -terry shropshire

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