Racine & Me, February 18th, 2017: Youth Performing Arts, Black History Month Read-In, and "Thoughts for Food"

With a pair of youth performers coming to the studio, Jacob Kittilstad remembered his embarrassing moment as a child magician and reflected on how much he has improved as a showman since then.

During the first interview, representatives from the Racine Public Library talked about the upcoming “Mary Finley and Marcie Eanes Memorial Black History Month Read-In”. The event allows young people to sign up for slots to read aloud literature written by African American writers. Organizers said the reason for the event is to give children perspective on American history while possibly exposing them to authors they weren’t aware of.

What followed was an in-studio reading from Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” performed by Willow Newell, an eighth grader at St. Catherine’s Middle School in Racine. Following the reading, Newell talked about why she chose to read the passage at the upcoming event. She also talked about her personal goals – including what she would like to do with her recently earned title of “Ms. Pre-Teen Racine”.

Next, the organizers of the “Thoughts for Food” benefit joined Jacob on the interview set. Organizers of the multi-venue music event talked about how the concerts raise money for the Racine County Food Bank. People planning to buy tickets the night of the event are expected to bring two non-perishable food items along with money for cost of entry.

Organizers are also planning an All Ages show ahead of the larger, 21+ “Thoughts for Food” event. Sovereign Olson brought her guitar to the studio to perform a cover of “Song for a Netflix Account” by Pat the Bunny. Olsen talked about what that song means to her and why music has played such a large role in her life.

Guests: Karl McNeil – Black History Month Read-In Organizer, Nick Demske – Racine Public Library Youth Librarian, Willow Newell – Reader, Nick Ramsey – Thoughts for Food All Ages Show Organizer, Ruth Thielen – Thoughts for Food Organizer, Sovereign Olson - Musician