Tannenbaum Fellow in Residence this Summer
This summer, we welcomed back our third Judith Tannenbaum Teaching Artist Fellow at the Mesa Refuge: Duane Horton. Duane is a queer, Black educator and writer who teaches fantasy and science fiction writing for LGBTQ+ identified youth at Chapter 510, a youth writing, bookmaking and publishing center in Oakland.
While in residence, Duane finished his manuscript, Sugar in the Tank, which explores Black and queer identity through the lens of fantasy. Duane believes it is important, especially for Black and brown queer youth, to see themselves represented in the genres of fantasy and science fiction and to widen the canon of literature. Alternative role models in these genres did not exist when he was growing up.
“The time I spent at Mesa Refuge was a revelation,” Duane said. “I was able to sit with myself, with my writing and with the beautiful scenery that I was always surrounded by. There’s magic in this space! I often walked into town, browsed the bookstore, got coffee and spent time with my cohort. I love that we were able to be in community with each other. I was reminded that rest and being present are big aspects of any writer’s journey.”
Duane was in residency with Manzanita Fellow for Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice Lyla June Johnston and writer and educator Kai Harris.
Chapter 510’s Executive Director, Janet Heller, said, “Duane’s experience at Mesa Refuge was transformative. He was able to gain a deeper insight into his current writing project and rejuvenate all at the same time. This fellowship provides critical time for reflection and creativity in a restorative landscape for Oakland writers engaged in community practice.”
The Judith Tannenbaum Teaching Artist Fellowship was created in 2020 in partnership with Chapter 510. Judith Tannenbaum was a Bay Area writer, teacher and national leader in the field of community arts. In addition to publishing numerous books of poetry, memoir, and creative writing curriculum, Judith trained over one hundred teaching artists to work in community settings (prisons, libraries and schools) and encouraged a writing practice for all.
Photo: Residents Kai Harris, Duane Horton, and Lyla June Johnston. Photo credit: Kamala Tully.