National Book Award Nominee m.s. RedCherries to Read from “mother” at Harper College

Acclaimed author m.s. RedCherries will visit Harper College on February 25 to share “mother,” a poignant story of familial reconnection and the exploration of Native American roots.
Courtesy of Harper College

Harper College Welcomes National Book Award Nominee

Harper College is thrilled to welcome m.s. RedCherries, a celebrated author, to its campus. RedCherries, whose debut literary work, “mother,” made the National Book Award Finalist list for poetry in 2024, will be reading from the book on Tuesday, February 25. This free event is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will take place in the Drama Lab Theatre, Building L, Room L109, located on Harper’s campus at 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.

About “mother”: A Tale of Love, Identity, and Heritage

“mother” is a compelling blend of poetry and free verse that delves into themes of separation, family, and identity. The book, which explores a daughter’s journey to reconnect with her birth mother and understand her Native American heritage, is structured around the narrative of a personal but resonant struggle. According to the author, while the story is fictional, many of the experiences and themes echo her own life as a Cheyenne adoptee raised by non-Native parents.

RedCherries draws on her experiences and the stories passed down by her family to create a narrative that intertwines the historical forced assimilation of Native American children with contemporary issues. The book serves not only as a work of art but also as an educational piece, bringing attention to the lasting impacts of historical policies on Native American communities.

Background of the National Book Award

The National Book Award, established by the National Book Foundation, recognizes the best works in American literature across various genres including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature. RedCherries’ nomination for the poetry category underscores the significance of her work in elevating voices that often go unheard.

Author’s Perspective on Writing “mother”

In an interview, RedCherries reflected on the inspiration behind her work. “I was raised apart from my community, and I thought I was the only one. I felt a hyper-loneliness in many ways. I had siblings that I couldn’t see. Had a family I couldn’t see,” she said. “This story comes from me and my mother’s relationship and filling in the blanks of our story. A lot of Native people were adopted out when they were kids, or they had a cousin who they’d never seen because they were sent to a family and they never returned home. I hadn’t realized that this issue is so prevalent in Native communities.”

The author added, “I wanted to paint a picture of the past and show how systemic this kind of history is and then to set the daughter in that story in the time of the 1960s and ’70s, maybe where her true activism with her own mother and her story began.”

Literary Techniques in “mother”

RedCherries employs a variety of literary techniques in “mother,” blending different perspectives and forms of expression to reflect the protagonist’s relationship with her mother. The narrative shifts between fragmented stories, overheard dialogue, and unspoken memories, creating a sense of distance and intimacy simultaneously. “At a craft level, some of the stories are almost overheard, and the speaker itself is asking, ‘I wonder who’s speaking?’” RedCherries explained. “It creates some distance between the speaker and the mother, so there are some intentional elements of that separation.”

Faculty Collaboration and Educational Impact

Harper College English Professor Pearl Ratunil played a crucial role in bringing RedCherries to the campus. Along with the Cultural Arts Committee, Ratunil saw the opportunity to expose students to diverse perspectives and to highlight the importance of contemporary Native American literature. “I think the writers and artists who come to Harper and share their work give our students examples of how to create and express themselves,” Ratunil said. “Writing and art help our students academically by giving them real-time engagement with writers and artists who do the work in the world.”

Ratunil also emphasized the relevance of RedCherries’ work in a broader context. “Her book brings a contemporary perspective on Native American culture. I think Native American history is relegated to something in the ‘past’ as if we don’t have to address it now. Students reading and listening to (RedCherries) will hear a voice that sounds like their own voice. RedCherries is a new young writer and she reflects our students’ experiences. Her voice and perspective are from right now.”

Call to Action

We invite the Harper College community and anyone interested in literature and the discussions around Native American history and culture to attend this free event. Join RedCherries as she reads from “mother” and shares her insights into her work. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a talented author whose voice is making a significant impact in American literature.

After the event, we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with the book and the discussion in the comments section below. Additionally, consider subscribing to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming literary events and cultural programs at Harper College. You can also share this article on social media to spread the word and invite others to join in the conversation.