Celebrate renewal and creativity this Nowruz through story and art inspired by Persian tradition!
Nowruz is the Persian New Year which is also celebrated by many in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Central Asia, as well as in Kurdish, Turkic Uyghur and Parsi communities worldwide.
We will begin with a reading from the Shahnameh for Kids, a child-friendly introduction to the timeless Persian epic written by Ferdowsi. The Shahnameh preserves the myths and values of Iran and reflects Nowruz themes of renewal, justice, and new beginnings. Together we will read the story of the legendary King Jamshid, who is traditionally credited with establishing Nowruz as a celebration of light returning to the world.
After the reading, participants will create Blackout Poetry, discovering hidden poems by selecting words from book pages and artistically covering the rest. Like Nowruz itself, this activity celebrates transformation and finding new beauty within what already exists. Materials will include books across a range of reading levels, beginning with early readers and progressing upward so everyone can participate.
We will be joined by our special guest, Iranian American artist and poet Dr. Azadeh Weber, to lead our storytelling and creative activity!
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Boba Buddies is a monthly youth program for K-12 Asian and Asian American students in the Spokane area. Each session creates a space of belonging engaging the community in understanding and nurturing cultural identities. The program includes educational activities, creative play, and a communal space for Asian/Asian American youth and their parents/guardians to gather together. We provide refreshments and some months will have special guests!
This program is mainly organized for Asian and Asian American families but we have selected events that we open up to the public, please follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to get updates.
Shout out to our #BobaBuddies partner, Teas Company! Please bring your reusable boba cups if you got one already! For those who have not received their free Boba Buddies reusable cups, make sure to RSVP to get one (for K-12 youth only). For inquiries and accommodations please contact Frances at fmortel@aclspokane.org.