A Revolutionary Summer (ARS) is an intensive critical reading and writing program dedicated to shifting harmful narratives about Black women and girls through literature, art and self-inquiry. For eight Sundays in the summer, up to 20 “daughters” gather to experience and discuss the creative works of consequential Black women artists. They do so under the guidance of local authors, community activists, and teachers. Workshops begin at noon and end at 4PM. Each session concludes with a yoga class. Light snacks and refreshments are provided (though full plant-based meals are on our wish list). Daughters are gifted personal libraries, iTunes gift cards, and a month's subscription to Netflix (for access to the music and films we discuss). They are encouraged to participate in the end-of-program presentation. In years past, they’ve published their original writing in ARS’s online literary journal, recited their work at a public reading, and performed Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf. This past summer they performed an original play, written by 18-year-old Ui-seng Francois, based on excerpts from the anthology I Dream a World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America. We're currently in talks to produce a mural dedicated to Black women authors and artists, to be displayed on a wall somewhere in our beautiful city.

Revolutionary daughters can earn a stipend of up to $400 for enthusiastic completion of the program and are responsible for raising an additional $100 for their fellow participants. A Revolutionary Summer is hosted at Exit the Apple in Baltimore City.