115: Lynne Elizabeth: Breaking Ground for The New Village
Description
Summary
Can somethings as mundane a publishing be a revolutionary act. This podcast episode delves into the profound significance of mission centered publishing as illuminated through the life and work of Lynne Elizabeth, the founding director of New Village Press. Our conversation underscores the notion that books serve as instruments for social change, bridging divides and igniting action within communities. Lynne, who affectionately refers to her role as a "book doula," passionately discusses the transformative power of literature and the imperative of publishing with purpose. Throughout the dialogue, we explore the intersection of creativity and social justice, emphasizing how authors who are deeply embedded in their communities can shape narratives that inspire resilience and hope. This episode ultimately celebrates the magic inherent in storytelling and its potential to foster understanding and collaboration in an increasingly complex world.
The Story
The dialogue between Bill Cleveland and Lynne Elizabeth unfolds as an exploration of the intricacies of mission-driven publishing. Elizabeth articulates the unique position of New Village Press within the broader publishing landscape, highlighting its commitment to elevating voices often marginalized in mainstream narratives. The conversation reveals the serendipitous connections among authors and the familial bonds that develop within the New Village community. Elizabeth's insights into the collaborative nature of book publishing provide a glimpse into how her organization curates works that resonate with contemporary social issues, thereby fostering a dialogue about community engagement and activism through literature. The episode underscores the notion that books are not merely products but rather vessels of change, encouraging listeners to reflect on the role of storytelling in shaping societal values and inspiring collective action.
Notable Mentions
Publications:
1. Inspired and Outraged – By Alice Rothschild. A memoir of a physician’s journey into feminism, activism, and social justice, written in free verse.
2. Beginner’s Guide to Community-Based Arts – By Mat Schwarzman and Keith Knight. A visually engaging book that introduces community-based arts as a tool for social change.
3. Root Shock – By Mindy Fullilove. A powerful examination of how urban renewal policies have devastated African American communities.
4. Urban Alchemy – By Mindy Fullilove. A guide on how cities can heal from the damage of urban renewal through community-driven design.
5. The Women’s Revolution – By Muriel Fox. A firsthand account of the fight for women’s rights from one of the founders of the National Organization for Women (NOW).
6. Place Making with Children and Youth – A book that highlights the importance of including young people in urban design and community planning.
7. Awakening Creativity: The Dandelion School – By Lily Yeh. A story about transforming an abandoned factory into a thriving school for migrant children in Beijing through the power of art.
8. Americans Who Tell the Truth – By Rob Shetterly. A portrait series and book featuring individuals who have made significant contributions to social justice.
9. Portraits of Peacemakers – By Rob Shetterly. A collection of portraits and stories of individuals who have worked towards peace and justice.
10. See Me – A book exploring the impact of prison theater workshops on inmates and facilitators.
11. Creative Instigation – By Fern Tiger. A guide on engaging communities in decision-making through innovative and inclusive methods.
12. Letters to Outriders – By Margaret Randall. A collection of correspondence with influential creatives resisting social and political conformity.
13. Barbara Benesh’s Upcoming Book on Eco Art – A forthcoming book about an ecological retreat center for artists in Czechia.
For more information about these books and other related publications, you can visit New Village Press.
People
1. Lynne Elizabeth – Founding director of New Village Press, a mission-driven nonprofit publisher focused on books that inspire social change.
2. Bill Cleveland – Host of Change the Story, Change the World and director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community.
3. Alice Rothschild – Physician, feminist, and author of Inspired and Outraged: The Making of a Feminist Physician.
4. Lily Yeh – Internationally recognized artist and founder of Barefoot Artists, known for her community-based art projects.
5. Muriel Fox – Co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and author of The Women’s Revolution.
6. Mindy Fullilove – Psychiatrist, author, and urbanist known for books like Root Shock and Urban Alchemy.
7. Mat Schwarzman – Author of The Beginner’s Guide to Community-Based Arts, focused on creative placemaking and community arts.
8. Jan Cohen-Cruz – Expert in community-based arts and author of See Me: The Impact of Theater-Based Workshops in Prisons.
9. Rob Shetterly – Painter and activist, known for his Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait series.
10. Keith Knight – Nationally recognized cartoonist and illustrator, also known for his work on The Beginner’s Guide to Community-Based Arts.
11. Linda Frye Burnham – Co-founder of the Community Arts Network and advocate for community-based arts.
12. Margaret Randall – Poet, essayist, and activist with over 200 published works.
13. Barbara Benish – Eco-artist and founder of an environmental retreat center in the Czech Republic.
14. W.E.B. Du Bois – Civil rights activist and scholar who emphasized the importance of reading meaningful work.
Events
1. Hurricane Katrina (2005) – A catastrophic storm that impacted the launch of The Beginner’s Guide to Community-Based Arts in New Orleans.
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