On Friday, March 16, I attended the panel of writers in McGuire Hall. Being 3 o’clock on a rainy Friday afternoon, I was surprised at the large turnout (I am sure cookies and hamburgers had a small influence). But it was definitely worth my time. I felt that the Writing Department did a good job of selecting a unique and interesting panel of four writers to speak with the college community. The group consisted of Gregory Kane, a Baltimore Sun reporter, Elizabeth Evitts, the editor-in-chief of the editorial “The Urbanite,” poet essayist/Diva and professor – Chezia Thompson Cager, and Jane Conly, a renowned children’s author. It was interesting to hear the different stories, opinions and outlook on life and the city of Baltimore.

Each writer spoke for about ten to fifteen minutes, and then a question and answer session followed. Gregory Kane, a journalist from the Baltimore Sun started off the afternoon. He is one of a dying breed, who keeps newspapers alive. Mr. Kane informed us that if he wishes to speak with someone who contains information on a story, and they refuse to talk, he is not afraid to confront them until he extracts the necessary information. He even gave a specific example of when a corrections guard in a prison was killed last July. A reliable source told Mr. Kane of a rumor that there would be a delay in its investigation by at least 6 months, because the officers were avoiding their work. He went back to get information on it 7 months later – nothing. Dedicated to unfolding the truth, Mr. Kane vowed to go back every month until he had some answers on the officer’s murder. Mr. Cane’s enthusiasm for his career was truly inspiring, He is truly passionate about reporting on stories within Baltimore, following up on them, and most importantly – finding out the truth!

Next came Ms. Elizabeth Evitts, editor of the Urbanite magazine. This magazine reports on life and occurrences in Baltimore. She explained the history of the Urbanite, and how it has greatly expanded over the years to over 150,000 readers, with 40% of them living in the country. She then proceeded to discuss her role in the magazine today. She often alluded the Jane Jacobs’ novel, “The Death and Life of Great American cities,” which she seemed to greatly value. Ms, Evitts pointed out that cities are the center of society’s culture for everyone (not just those who live there) – which is why it is so significant to recognize their value and what goes on within them.

Chanzia Thompson Cager, a professor at Maryland institute College of Art, and an accomplished poet essayist, was very interesting to listen to. She told us of how the struggles of her life taught her to appreciate the precious moments of life, because it could be taken away at any time. This theory led her to become active in her community, and to writing poems about life - in particularly about Baltimore. I thought it was quite unique that she sang some of her lines to us. It definitely kept me paying attention, and wondering what she would say next.

Finally, Jane Conly, a famous children’s author, concluded the afternoon. She began by reading two verses from her popular books, including one from “Crazy Lady.” Ms. Conly told us how she moved here from Virginia to study at the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminar. She first began writing about the city while working in a free clinic, where she saw all sorts of interesting people. Ms. Conly chose to write children’s books because her father had done so and left an unfinished book at his death for her to complete; she also feels the need to connect to the “eleven year old within her.”

I was really interesting in hearing real life stories about Baltimore – the great city that I now live in, but know little about. During the question and answer session, one student asked about the importance of the “stoop” in society. It was great to hear how all of the authors felt it was very important. Ms. Cager pointed out that during the warm weather, she and her neighbors spend all of their free time on the stoop – watching over the neighborhood. The benefits of this are great – the sense of community is strengthened, and the area is safer (because everyone is always watching).

Ezra Pound’s poem: “In the Station of the Metro” directly related to the panel of writers. She is observing everything around her in the station, as the panel of writers observe everything in their daily lives. They use there findings for writing material, and to help them better appreciate the city. Appreciating what is around you is a theme found in many of the works we read, and also the goal of this panel of writers. This is made evident by the interesting session held on Friday.