InsideOut Literary Arts

Before founding InsideOut, Blackhawk, a creative writing teacher at Mumford High School in Detroit, had already been inviting poets to her classroom to introduce students to poetry.

'"[1] In 1997, Blackhawk founded Citywide Poets, InsideOut's national award-winning afterschool creative writing and spoken word program for teens.

[4] InsideOut was recognized in a ceremony at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama and performed at the Kennedy Center.

[8] InsideOut's programs use creative writing and poetry to encourage self-expression and build the literary and academic skills of K-12 students in the Detroit area.

[11] Students in InsideOut programs have also participated in regional and national performances and competitions as a part of a poetry slam team.

[12] InsideOut's writers-in-residence program places professional writers in K–12 classrooms throughout the Detroit area to lead "poetry, spoken word and other multi-media arts experiences" for students.

Writers teach weekly workshops throughout the school year using lessons created in alignment with Michigan Department of Education curriculum standards and Social-Emotional Learning approaches.

The program consists of weekly workshops that focus on developing writing and poetry performance skills through mentorship and community.

[19] InsideOut collaborates with a number of cultural institutions and local organizations to host programs, performance opportunities, and other community events.

[24] InsideOut students have performed at multiple events and local venues including Wayne State University's Rev.

[32][33] Students in InsideOut's programs have said that participating has helped them feel empowered and more confident in sharing their voice and ideas with others.