Soque Street llc : Creative Community Development

Love & Appreciation to Sinister Wisdom and Charis Books & More for remembering our sistuh, doris.
Thursday, January 29 at 7 p.m.
Tribute to Dr. doris davenport with Briona Simone Jones
Writer, educator, and literary and performance poet doris davenport grew up in the Appalachian foothills of Habersham County (Cornelia) Georgia. She earned degrees from Paine College (BA English), State University of Buffalo (SUNY), New York (MA English) and the University of Southern California (PhD Literature). She published nine collections of poetry and was until her death in 2024 a beloved member of the Sinister Wisdom community. Join Sinister Wisdom board member Briona Simone Jones for a tribute to doris davenport featuring readings of work by doris and memories from friends and comrades.

This event takes place on Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tbZkiylmRwCrbSA8zFAhpw #/registration Registration is required for virtual attendance. Register here. Passcode: doris

Always on the look-out for an opportunity for intergenerational work, I was drawn to Abigail Bennett's enthusiasm, and depth of thought as a young adult and dedication to using public art for broad based community-building.

We met online during an American Planning Association webinar and she put her question in chat "What measures have been taken to ensure that these investments in low-income neighborhoods don't contribute to displacement? How do we revitalize without gentrifying?"

I responded to her question - "Great question! In fact, my Master of Architecture thesis was just that - "Gentrification without Displacement". Would you be interested in connecting?"

I'm grateful to have her with me in the overlap of the mural and parking lot projects. As both a mentee, and co-creator.

A Saturday afternoon, a rare occasion - alone with Ms. Sally in the Cafe. It couldn't get NO BEDDUH. When she looked up and exclaimed - as I contemplate my next sugary treat - "Jammesss Browwwnnnn!!!! Seemed like it took me three years to turn around and look, but there he was walking in the door. GRINNING - and there I was, unable to breathe!

Most all of Doris Davenport's books include SOMETHING about Soque Street and the people who made up our Beloved Hill. In all her travels, she carried this community in her whole heart.