Jackson Free Press

South Hills Library
515 W. McDowell Road * Jackson, MS
601.372.1621/ 372.7038, fax

Sex. Self-respect. Drugs. Violence. Self-awareness. Redemption.
These and more will be discussed every Friday during the month of June at South Hills Library as part of a summer project they call "Teen Time." Facilitated by artist/author C. A. Webb, the teens between the ages of 13-17 years old will meet from 3-4p.m. to discuss issues that are pressing in their lives now and seek answers to how they can improve themselves and their community through the arts.

"I am pleased to be working with "Teen Time" this year," said Webb, 30. "I was approached by Ms. (Debra) Gilbert at South Hills Library about the work that she does with the teens, and I was happy to be on board to do what I can."

What Webb has outlined for the students is a condensed form of his Creative Arts Workshop that has been used in several public schools in both Hinds and Rankin Counties.

"I know what it is like to be lost at that age," relates Webb, who has talked openly and honestly about his own bouts with depression, thoughts of suicide and eating disorders through his teenage years. "I didn't have someone there for me to talk to, someone who was there because they genuinely cared. I made up my mind when I returned to Mississippi (in 1997) that I was going to be there for others so they would feel alone."
C. A. Webb has outlined the following schedule for "Teen Time" in June 2006:
Friday, June 2, 2006--- 3p.m.
Discussion on the topic WHAT MAKES ME ME?
Friday, June 9, 2006--- 3p.m.
Discussion of HOW AM I AFFECTED BY RELIGION AND SPIRITUALLY? and IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO MAKE A DIFFENCE ON MY COMMUNITY NOW?
Friday, June 16, 2006--- 3p.m.
Discussion of WHO ARE THE ROLE MODELS IN MY LIFE? This will include a testimonial from Essence Bestselling author Valencia R. Williams (author of THE HOTTEST SUMMER EVER KNOWN and VINDICTIVE WO-MEN)
Friday, June 23, 2006--- 3p.m.
The final discussion involves the soul searching topic: IF I WAS WRITING MY OBITUARY, WHAT WOULD IT SAY ABOUT MY LIFE?
Each topic will involve writing journal entries, group discussion and participation as well as some deep reflection. Webb says that he wants the teenagers to leave this year's program feeling empowered by what they discussed and eager to put it in motion in their lives. Though the workshop is normally $250 per session, Webb is donating the time to South Hills Library. "It's not all about the money," he says. "Sometime you have to invest in what you feel is important. I feel just that strongly about what I believe the workshop can accomplish."

C. A. Webb has been active in the arts for over a decade. Currently he is the Executive Producer and host of the radio and television show CONVERSATIONS WITH C. A. WEBB. The show focuses on those making moves in the worlds of the arts and entertainment. He is also the Editor of CONVERSATIONS magazine. Since 2006, Webb has been a contributing writer for the Clarion Ledger Newspaper, the Jackson Advocate Newspaper, Blagazine, Books2Mention Magazine, Memphisrap.com and other online and print publications. Webb is the President of the Rankin County Arts Alliance and serves on the board of directors for Very Special Arts of MS and the MS Writers Guild. C. A. Webb has self-published 10 books of poetry and short stories.

For more details, contact Debra Gilbert at 601.372.1621.

Previous Comments

ID

106107

Comment

I hate to see it all come to an end, but tomorrow will be the last teen time of the month at South Hills Library. We will be discussing the importance of living in our own truth. The topic is IF I WAS PRESENT FOR THE READING OF MY OWN OBITUARY, WHAT WOULD BE SAID ABOUT ME? The teens have done a great job expressing themselves so far, so I know this is going to be a good one.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-22T08:14:14-06:00