PPGJLI Holds Writing Competition for Rondo: History & Values Anthology

ST. PAUL, Minn. - June 20, 2023 - PRLog -- Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) founder, Dr. Artika Tyner, announced that the non-profit organization is conducting a new writing contest, "Rondo: History & Values Anthology."

The deadline for entries is Saturday, July 15, 2023. Entries should be 1,000 words or less and submitted online. The anthology competition is open to individuals of all ages, of African-American heritage, and living in St. Paul. Entries can be fiction or creative fiction, poetry or prose. Entrants can also visit the entry website for ideas.

A total of 25 winners will be chosen to have their work included in the anthology. Winners will receive $100 and a copy of the book. The competition is supported in part by the City of Saint Paul Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization Program and the St. Paul Star Program.

The competition aims to raise awareness of the Rondo community and its unique historical value. It's also an opportunity for new and experienced Black literary artists to inform, grow and utilize the arts to create social change.

The Rondo neighborhood occupies an important place in American history. It was named for Joseph Rondeau, an early settler who moved there in the late 1850s. He'd endured discrimination himself, as had his wife, a woman of white and indigenous lineage. A majority of Minnesota's African-Americans were residents of Rondo by 1930. It was a hub of Black commerce, culture, social organizations, and institutions.

The construction of the I-94 highway sundered the neighborhood and forced hundreds of residents to relocate. An estimated minimum of 700 families lost their homes and 300 businesses were closed. One in every 8 African Americans in St. Paul lost their home or business. However, the spirit of Rondo wasn't lost. It continues to live on today. The first Rondo Days festival was held in July of 1983.

The writing competition "Rondo: History & Values Anthology" (https://www.ppgjli.org/rondo-anthology) conducted by the PPGJLI is an opportunity for individuals to learn more about the historical community and celebrate the indomitable Rondo spirit.

About Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
Launched in 2015 by Dr. Artika Tyner (https://www.artikatyner.com/), the PPGJLI provides a platform for the initiation of social change, cultivation of collective leadership, and promotion of public policy advocacy. The organization's goal is to challenge 10,000 leaders worldwide to make a difference in their communities. Its founder is an educator, author, highly sought speaker and advocate for justice.