A huge congratulations are in order for the WCUI Smith Library! WCUI School of Medical Imaging and Nursing has received a Lift Every Voice programming grant for the WCUI Smith campus libraries from the Library of America. This award has been made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and Emerson Collective.

WCUI is one of only fifty institutions around the country chosen to participate in the ‘Lift Every Voice: Why African American Poetry Matters’. The Lift Every Voice grant is a national public humanities program dedicated to enhancing appreciation of the extraordinary range and richness of the 250-year-long African American poetic tradition. The focus is to provide a voice and discover what African American poetry can tell us about American history, our national identity, and how we can build on the work of earlier generations to improve our world today. Representing Los Angeles, WCUI joins New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Kansas City and public institutions around the country in offering two free public events. 

WCUI and the Lift Every Voice Program Grant

WCUI Regional Librarian, Cat Herzon, found the right fit for the grant through WCUI’s Pro Bono Wellness Program, as the idea of working within the themes of family, community, and community service fell into place. Two poetry readings and discussions will involve students, faculty, staff, and the public in dialogs about the importance of community service and building connections within communities to the point where providing medical assistance outreach and education feels as comfortable as being with family.

According to Max Rudin, Lift Every Voice Project Director, the grant includes program support for a minimum of two events during the grant period, including participation by poets and scholars. WCUI will offer these programs to the general public free of charge, either in person and/or online.

About the Library of America

The Library of America is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to support our nation’s cultural heritage by publishing America’s greatest writing in authoritative new editions and providing resources for readers to explore this rich, living legacy. Library of America editions encompasses all periods and genres—including acknowledged classics, neglected masterpieces, and historically important documents and texts. Additional public programs, digital resources, and community partnerships help readers worldwide make meaningful connections with our nation’s written heritage.

About the WCUI Smith Library

The WCUI Smith Library branches are available at each campus to provide our students with a space to complete projects, do research, and study between classes. Our library is stocked with over 1,000 textbooks, electronic books and journals, DVDs and CDs, and student computers and printers. Our LibGuides Online Library gives our students remote, 24/7 access to our full collection of resources even when they’re not on campus. To discover the LibGuides resources visit: https://wcui.libguides.com/

To learn more about the ‘Lift Every Voice: Why African American Poetry Matters’ programming grant visit: https://www.loa.org/news-and-views/1596-library-of-america-offers-grants-to-libraries-to-celebrate-african-american-poetry

To learn more about the Library of America visit: https://www.loa.org/