Jeanne R. Towns will read her poetry from Lovin Me as I am and God knows I?m a Woman.

Towns? work has been widely published and performed. She has been awarded a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, the city of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as the Essay of the Year Award. Her works have been published in the Minnesota Review, Catalyst, Grey City Journal, NOMMO, Tinley Park Review, Black American Literature performed as theater and aired on Cable TV. Jeanne has taught poetry in public schools through Urban Gateways Art Center and for children of the Chicago ?Housing Authority. She is a member of The Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) and The Feminist Writers? Guild. The Library Journal described her poetry ?an unsentimental paean to black life? The evening will begin with an Open Mic hosted by Laird Davis. It will conclude with a discussion