On Friday, April 3rd 2009, Asha Bandele, critically acclaimed author of The Prisoner's Wife and Something Like Beautiful, visited North Texas to share these and other remarkable stories with us. Asha's insights on some of today's most pressing social concerns come at a critical time in our region's development. Coupled with a renewed focus on urban policy, we hope that our conversations with Asha inspired new ideas and approaches here in North Texas.

Our first event, in partnership with the UT Dallas McDermott Library, was well attended by the campus community. Asha shared her story through readings from her works, and took a number of questions from students, faculty, staff, and community members. Dr. Larry Sall, Dean of Libraries for the University, presented Asha with a gift from the library staff to thank her for her visiting with us. Afterward, participants gathered in the lobby to exchange ideas, speak personally with Asha, and have their books signed by her.

Later that evening, the Institute celebrated Asha's work at the South Dallas Cultural Center in Dallas. At this community celebration of poetry and public policy, Asha shared her works through reading and speaking, and Lumumba Bandele, a local community organizer, shared his work on fatherhood from a chapter he recently published. Others from as far away as west Texas shared their thoughts and ideas through an open mic event. New friendships were made, and numerous conversations laid the groundwork for future partnerships. Many thanks to the South Dallas Cultural Center for providing such a fantastic facility for the evening!