BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Presents

THE POETRY, PROSE, AND ACTIVISM OF SIMPLY ROB

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023 | 12-2PM

SAGE HALL 100-THE WRITING CENTER

Activism is a commitment to fostering equitable and democratic communities where everyone flourishes. Being an activist means getting involved and taking actions toward social justice. Art has always had a connection with activist movements. Often, art is created to spread information and awareness.

Bronx-based spoken-word artist Rob Vassilarakis (Simply Rob) was disowned by his family at the age of 17 for being gay and blazed his own path of creativity and activism. His life experiences led him to work with at risk youth focusing on issues of sexual identity and HIV / AIDS education and prevention. 

Vassilarakis is also a founding member of El Grito de Poetas, an all-Latino poetry collective. Vassilarakis will be performing poetry and discussing his life and professional experiences as an activist and educator.

Funding for this event was made possible by a grant by the CUNY LGBTQI+ Consortium.

Please see the attached flyer.

For questions: Contact janet.robertson@bcc.cuny.edu  Writing Center Director

The Spoken Word Club

in collaboration with the Writing Center

and the LGBTQI and Resource Room

Present: A Writing Contest: 

    Planting the Seeds of Change

Write a poem, short story or essay that addresses your thoughts or feelings about any of the following words or ideas; your relationship with any of these words or ideas:

• Activism, Justice
• What is justice?
• What role can you play in an unjust society?
• What is your Utopia?
• Empowerment?
• Agency?
• Making a difference:
• Is there a person who has inspired you to make a difference?

Submit all work to:

 Bccwritingcenter@gmail.com

Deadline for submission is April 26 @ 8pm

Winners announced at the Poet’s Café featuring  Simply Rob: April 27:  12-2 (club hours):

 Sage Hall Room 100

Questions? 
Janet.robertson@bcc.cuny.edu, or dayana.sanchez@stu.bcc.cuny.edu