Guerilla Poets Study Paul Green
Classes at the Mecklenburg Detention Center will lead to an anthology of original poems by residents at the facility.
Guerilla Poets facilitators Shane Manier and Kelly Greene have been providing a series of poetry classes at the Mecklenburg Detention Center through the support of the Paul Green Foundation. Residents participate in writing poetry based on quotes and plays from Paul Green. The poems they produce are being collected for an anthology to be published at the end of the program. “The impact of Paul Green has been incredible,” Shane Manier writes, ”resulting in powerful discussions on race, incarceration and difficult life decisions.”
Many of the residents have had breakthroughs in their recovery and rehabilitation due to the discussions around Paul Green's work. The program's staff at the center has noted that altercations have gone down in the pods, due to residents writing poetry instead of engaging in conflict. They tell each other "Go write a poem!"
Other facilitators have noted that residents have been more involved in their therapy, and when asked why, the residents explained it was because of what they were learning in the poetry class.
One of the most incredible things to transpire however, was a resident's lawyer reading their poems from the class at a sentencing hearing that resulted in a lower sentence, Manier writes.
The lesson plans have included plays such as "Rassie and the Barlow Knife" and "In Abraham's Bosom," as well as discussions around interviews from Paul Green about resilience when his plays were rejected and the power of his memories of home.
"Whenever I feel low in my mind I can come up here, think of the old days, remember the perished friendly comrades...and feel a sweet rich sense of their nearness, their living presence, again, feel again not only inspiration of the past but the dynamic pressure and push of the present." — Paul Green
Residents have discussed systematic racism, code switching, resilience, gentrification, and the impact of major life events that lead to harmful decision making.
Each class begins with a quote or a play excerpt summary that opens up conversation. After the group discussion, residents are given a series of questions to consider about how these topics are experienced in their own lives. Then they are given a writing prompt on the theme.
“It has been an amazing opportunity for the residents and shows the impact of Paul Green's work to this day,” Manier explains. The facilitators were prepared to meet resistance from the residents on diving into the work of a playwright from the 1920s-30s, but were blown away at how fast they took to the work and how receptive the residents were in class.
The arts have a way of changing the trajectory of a person's life, not only through creativity, but by being a vessel for processing difficult emotions and challenges, the facilities say. “This program has done just that and was so needed that the Mecklenburg Sheriff's office re-approved the program to continue,” the facilitators add.
Multiculturalism and Resilience
Brandideas Publications, LLC of Atlanta, GA, has recently released a YouTube video of Ernest Gilchrist's keynote speech at the 2025 Mill Prong Annual Meeting held recently in Hoke County. The speech explores themes of multiculturalism, sustainability, and resilience, and provides an important perspective on the convergence of African American, Native American, and Scottish Highlander heritages in North Carolina—an enduring topic that fascinated the playwright Paul Green.
Ernest Gilchrist, the keynote speaker, is a longtime friend of the Paul Green Foundation. He is author of “Fusion of Cultures: The Spirit of Argyll America Revealed” which explores the connections between Native American and African heritage and the Scottish settlers who established roots in the region, leaving behind a vibrant and storied legacy. Gilchrist explores the lives of the Gilchrists, McEacherns, and other Scots American families as they did business, worshiped, socialized, and carved a place in the history of northwestern Robeson County (now Hoke County).
Titled “ArgyllAmerica: Where History, Heritage, and Truth Collide” Gilchrist's address highlights his deep connection to the region's diverse cultural landscape and explores how history and modern challenges intersect. As a key contributor to the PBS documentary Voices Over the Water, Gilchrist draws from his extensive research to present a vision for a more inclusive future, anchored in the spirit of multiculturalism.
As Gilchrist says, “Mill Prong is not just a house. It’s a mirror…” Erected in 1795 by John Gilchrist, Sr., the Mill Prong House near Red Springs, NC, bears witness to the varied cultural layers that shaped the Cape Fear region. The house was owned by two Scottish families in its 200 years as a residence. The house is a tangible reminder of their legacy, as well as the emergence of a political and social order that is unique to the Lumber River and Cape Fear River valleys.
The historic Mill Prong house (shown above) is being restored to its former glory after hurricanes devastated the property a decade ago. With grants and donations the Mill Prong organization has managed to replace the roof, repair the portico, re-paint siding on the front of the house, and fortify the south chimney. Additional support is needed to paint the remainder of the house, replace decking boards, rebuild the north chimney, and repair the shutters.
Historian Blake Tyner, Vice President of the Mill Prong Preservation Board says, “This speech is a critical conversation for anyone interested in the future of multiculturalism, resilience, and the spirit of unity. Gilchrist’s message is as important today as it ever was, and it deserves to be shared with the world.” Tyner urges viewers worldwide to join the conversation, share the video, and explore the deep connections that bind cultures together.
As Mr. Gilchrist explained: “Mill Prong honors its Scottish legacy and acknowledges its history of slavery, on Native land. True preservation means telling the whole story.”
Paul Green’s Family Legacy in Music
We also share in this issue a bit of joy and hard work from Paul Green’s extended family. The family’s musical talents are ongoing. Here is an extraordinary recording from Nancy Green, Paul Green’s granddaughter, who now lives in North Carolina. This piece called “Nana” is from Siete canciones populaires espagñoles by Manuel de Falla. It was recorded at Manifold Studios in Pittsboro, NC, with videography by Flying Fox Media Productions and mixing by Dennis Patterson of Big Smoke Audio Productions, Toronto. Ieva Jokubaviciute accompanies Nancy Green on piano.
Nancy was born in Boston in 1952 and started playing the cello at age eight. She studied at the Juilliard School with Leonard Rose and Lynn Harrell, and performed in the master classes of Mstislav Rostropovich. She has retired from the stage, but is still regarded as one of the greatest cellists of our time.
Our Anthology of Essays by NC Writers on the Legacy of Paul Green is still available from Blair Publishing
The Paul Green Foundation Welcomes Gifts!
The Paul Green Foundation has been supported by many theatre and human rights advocates over the years. While our grant programs are supported by the Foundation's modest endowment, our operations are largely supported by royalties and by gifts from individuals. We keep our overhead very low and work hard to keep the values and legacy of North Carolina's Dramatist Laureate alive. We welcome your gifts. Every donation helps. To make a tax deductible gift, you can click this PayPal Link or you can send a check to:
The Paul Green Foundation
P.O. Box 2624
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
OUR WEBSITE IS
I am so moved by the report from the Guerilla Poets at Mecklenburg Detention Center. To think that my grandfather's words could have so much meaning, so much impact, this far into the future... I am so grateful to all of the people involved in keeping his particular flame of truth burning bright. Especially in this dark time. Thank you.
Beautiful work conducted by the Guerilla Poets!!