Class

For the Love of the Game: Dynamic Poetry About Your Favorite Activities with Keenan Jones

"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I’m delivering,"

-The Crossover, Kwame Alexander 2015

Whether you're racing down the soccer pitch, nailing a dance solo, or hitting that field goal with a swish, there's something so special about killing it at the activities you love.

But how can we put words to that exceptional feeling? How can we share with others what it means to be in that moment, with adrenaline rushing and muscle memory carrying you to success?

This class is designed especially for young people aged 7 - 12 to express their love of the game in fun, genuine ways that match the energy they feel in their favorite sport or activity. Join author and educator Keenan Jones at Hope Arts Center from 2 - 3:30 p.m. for a class you won't forget!

About the educator:

For Keenan Jones, a college basketball injury opened the door to a new path—storytelling. Growing up in Gary, Indiana and the south suburbs of Chicago, he was surrounded by a family of educators, pastors, athletes, and musicians, all of whom shaped his belief in the power of community and the importance of representation. Now living in Plymouth, Minnesota, Keenan writes stories that reflect the beauty of Black culture in America and the ways books can inspire young people to dream and strive for greatness.

His debut picture book, Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, 2025), illustrated by Ken Daley, follows a young boy who discovers the vital role a neighborhood barbershop plays in community and culture. A 2022 Mirrors and Windows Fellow with The Loft Literary Center, Keenan also teaches writing workshops and speaks on the importance of literacy, representation, and storytelling. He is passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to see themselves in the pages of a book.