Just as Juneteenth, as first celebrated by African Americans in the 1860s, was a holiday of newness and exploration, this workshop will focus on new beginnings and creativity in our writing. First, we'll briefly talk about the history of Juneteenth. Then, we'll use short passages by contemporary Black poets, novelists, and essayists, pieces that contain themes of Juneteenth's resilience and renewals, as inspirations to start a new fiction, poetry, or non-fiction piece. Participants will be asked to read short passages before the workshop, provided by the instructor. This workshop will be taught by Kalela Williams, director of Virginia Festival of the Book.