Influential Jamaican Poet Returns to IUB

Residential Programs and Services & Foster International Living-Learning Center to host workshops and performances by inspirational “reggae poet,” activist, and speaker Cherry Natural.

Bloomington, IN – IU Residential Programs and Services and the Foster International Living-Learning Center are pleased to welcome Cherry Natural to the IUB campus for her 4th visit. Marcia A. Wedderburn (b. 1960), more popularly know as Cherry Natural, is one of Jamaica's leading female poets and women's rights activists, www.cherrynatural.net. Her poetry addresses critical social and economic issues and celebrates the contributions of women around the globe. With her words, she strives to bring personal healing and self-liberation. She began performing in 1979 and is also a motivational speaker, producer, and martial arts instructor (she holds a Black Belt in Modern Arnis). As a “reggae poet” her poems are influenced heavily by the everyday experiences of Jamaicans and the sounds, rhythms, and creativity of generations of Jamaican musicians and storytellers. Her performances and recordings have inspired audiences in Jamaica and the Caribbean as well as in Canada, England, and the United States. She has published two collections of poetry, released a variety of spoken word recordings, and received numerous awards for her poetry and inspirational work with audiences of all ages.

The scheduled series of October 2008 workshops and performances with Cherry Natural at Indiana University (Bloomington) include:

1) Self-Defense/Holistic Health Workshop:
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 6-7 PM, IU Foster-Harper Formal Lounge (1000 N. Fee Lane)

2) Inspiring Creativity Writing Workshop:
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 7-8 PM, IU Foster-Harper Formal Lounge (1000 N. Fee Lane)

3) “Reggae Poetry” Performance:
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8-9:30 PM, IU Willkie Auditorium

4) Performance Poetry and Musical Improvisation Workshop:
Thursday, Oct. 30, 7-8PM, IU Collins Living-Learning Center Coffeehouse

5) “Reggae Poetry” Performance:
Thursday, Oct. 30, 8-9 PM, IU Collins Living-Learning Center Coffeehouse

Major Co-Sponsors: Residential Programs and Services, Foster International Living-Learning Center, and the Collins Living-Learning Center.

Additional Sponsors: Global Village Living-Learning Center, Foster Community Council, Foster Student Government, Willkie Community Council, Light & Lyrics, Rastazumska Productions, Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, and Folklore & Ethnomusicology.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dr. John Galuska, Director
Foster International Living-Learning Center
Foster-Shea, 1000 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47406 jgaluska@indiana.edu, 855-621