Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative (SGLAI) is a creative platform founded by artist Elgin Bokari Smith, dedicated to empowering young voices through writing, music, and art. Focused on uplifting at-risk and incarcerated youth, SGLAI offers mentorship, workshops, and performances, fostering resilience, self-expression, and personal growth. Through our community programs, we use the power of storytelling and the arts to inspire change and healing.

Chicago drum and bass selector since ‘96. Co-founder of BassByThePound. Working in that bass heavy space between 85 and 170 BPM with hiphop, dancehall + dub influence. Produce the West Fest Dj Stage, The Seminar and other classic parties plus the occasional one-off event .

Free Write Arts & Literacy makes creative spaces for young people who are incarcerated and court involved in Chicago. We engage youth in one-on-one literacy tutoring, workshops in creative writing, visual art, and music production, as well as publishing and public exhibition. www.freewritechicago.org for more information.

Over 100 adult learners work with trained volunteer tutors one-to-one or in small groups at the Santa Clara City Library on goals such as reading to children, filling out forms, understanding health information, improving spelling and more.

Followers of Free Write Arts &amp; Literacy

Followers of Free Write Arts & Literacy