Marel Brown Creative Writing Program Event & Book Signing

Date: April 14, 2009

Location: Auburn Avenue Research Library

Long before the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta were born, Mrs. Margaret Snow Brown, affectionately known as Marel Brown, planted the seeds of reading and writing into their lives.

Mrs. Brown was an outstanding poet, an original founding member of the Georgia Poet Society, and a philanthropist. She served on the Warren Memorial Boys Club Board of Directors.

In 1982, Mrs. Brown established the Alex B. Brown Library at the Warren Memorial Boys Club in honor of her late husband. She gracefully continued the legacy of reading Mr. Brown began in 1963. Mrs. Brown once said “reading is the basis of growth of the mind.” This library provided so many children with the gift of reading; opening so many doors and opportunities.

In 1984, out of her love for writing, she created the Annual Poetry & Short Story Program known today as the “Marel Brown Creative Writing Program.” This program serves the entire Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta family. To date, this program has impacted thousands of members and graced the eyes, ears, minds, and hearts of tens of thousands of readers. Thanks to Mrs. Marel Brown’s legacy, our youth have been empowered to express themselves with the power of their pens.

As we look at ways to deepen the impact in the lives of the children we serve daily, Mrs. Brown, a true visionary and legend, should be our guide. Her impact began over twenty years ago, providing our members with the two most powerful tools known to man: reading and writing.

The seeds she planted come to harvest each year in the Annual Marel Brown Poetry & Short Story Program. One can only imagine Mrs. Brown looking down each year applauding the members. Most importantly, we applaud and honor Mrs. Marel Brown for the legacy she bestowed to the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.