Enjoy this excerpt from the epic prose poem “The People, Yes”

Join us in celebrating the 2026 milestones of America 250 and the NIRMV Tenth Anniversary. This excerpt is from the book-length epic prose poem “The People, Yes” by Carl Sandburg. Published in 1936, it shares thoughts that resonate with modern experiences. Feel free to share this page or the pdf with others.

Excerpt: “The People, Yes” by Carl Sandburg
14

The people is Everyman, everybody.
Everybody is you and me and all others.
What everybody says is what we all say.
         And what is it we all say?

Where did we get these languages?
Why is your baby-talk deep in your blood?
What is the cling of the tongue
To what is heard with its mother-milk?

They cross on the ether now.
They travel on high frequencies
Over the border-lines and barriers
Of mountain ranges and oceans.
When shall we all speak the same language?
And do we want to have all the same language?
Are we learning a few great signs and passwords?
Why should Everyman be lost for words?
The questions are put every day in every tongue:
     “Where you from, Stranger?
     Where were you born?
     Got any money?
     What do you work at?
     Where’s your passport?
     Who are your people?”

Over the ether crash the languages,
And the people listen… 

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Celebrate 10 Years of NIRMV With Us

We hope you can join us for this free event on Sat., Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. at the Dearborn Heights Public Library, Caroline Kennedy Branch, to celebrate a decade of NIRMV. Celebration activities include Increments of Ten Showcase (art, jewelry, paintings, sports collectibles and more to claim), NIRMV Spotlights, and light refreshments. Please RSVP by Fri., Sep. 19 by email to nirmvdetroit@gmail.com with NIRMV Tenth Event in the subject line and registrant names. Download and share the event flyer (pdf). Congratulatory donations earmarked for community service outreach are welcome! Use the Donate button on the NIRMV website, CashApp to $Royalc40 or Zelle to 313-414-0683. Memo: NIRMV 10th Donation

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Enlightening Read Series, 12th Selection

NIRMV is pleased to present our 12th selection of the 1-2-3 Book Club Enlightening Reads Series, The Lost Quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini. We invite you to spend quality time experiencing history with this novel linked to the Underground Railroad. Want an invite to a live event to discuss the book? Just email NIRMV at nirmvdetroit@gmail.com by Sat., Sep. 12, 2026. Please put Book Club in the subject line. Download the flyer (pdf).

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2025 Milestone Award Winner Salute

Enjoy this presentation that salutes our 2025 NIRMV Milestone Award Winner. Founded in 1900, Detroit Working Writers (detworkingwriters.org) is an outstanding organization that celebrated its 125th anniversary.

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Reading Rewards Stay At Home Party VII

Registration is now open for our 7th Reading Rewards Stay at Home Party. Here's everything you need to know.
 
2026 Theme: Experiencing History
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
Time: Participant's Choice
Ages: 3-17
Deadline to register: Wed., July 22

To register and receive an age-appropriate activities kit, email nirmvdetroit@gmail.com. Put "RR Registration" in the subject line. Please include the participant names and ages, and name of adult authorizing participation.
 
Download the flyer (pdf) 

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Nominate a 2026 High School Grad for our Annual Salute

Graduating is inspiring! Recognize this achievement by nominating a high school graduate for our annual salute. Any 2026 high school graduate you know is eligible to be included on nirmvkids.org.

Just send the following to nirmvdetroit@gmail.com with the subject line 2026 Inspiring Grads by Monday, July 20:

• Photo, name and graduating school of the honoree
• Graduate's new school and declared major and/or plans

Download and share the flyer (PDF)

 

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