Our History: In 2000, a group of students wanted to promote cultural diversity and decided to organize. In order to make a convincing appeal, artist Victor Cervantes staged a campus protest. He locked himself in a mock jail cell and fasted for five days in order to demonstrate the lack of attention for artists of color on campus. Since that time, OW has grown into a leading voice in the advancement of cultural diversity. We take our name from Nuestra Palabra, a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding literary territories.

Our Mission: OW supports writing students in their artistic development through various events and projects, such as: our annual student reading, our author residency series, and working with faculty to develop culturally diverse curricula. We try to keep in touch with past members, to make sure that our community continues long past graduation. With these initiatives, OW attempts to provide artists with opportunities to engage in meaningful cultural dialogue and take an active role in enriching education at the School of the Arts.

Some of Our Goals:
      o Increase the number and range of permanent and adjunct faculty of color
      o Develop curriculum that explores the diverse artwork of writers outside the canon
      o Expose students to a wide range of multicultural writers by providing reading material and resources
      o Encourage mentorship between students of color and OW Authors in Residence