Oh, How The Words Flow: A River Poem Unveiling with Andrea Jenkins
Join the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization for a special morning celebrating the debut of a newly commissioned poem by acclaimed writer and former councilmember Andrea Jenkins.
As part of MWMO’s ongoing commitment to integrating art into its work, this original piece was commissioned to reflect on the stretch of river that defines the MWMO watershed. Inspired by an earlier work by Jenkins, the poem explores the relationship between the built environment and natural systems; how we shape the river, and how it continues to shape us.
Grounded in the themes of Sacred Water, Shared Future, the piece considers the river’s role in the region’s identity, history, and culture, while acknowledging the progress made over the past century to restore its health. It invites us to reflect on a shared responsibility: how we depend on the river, and what it takes to sustain it for generations to come.
The program will include remarks from MWMO leadership and partners, followed by a live performance of the poem.
Guests are invited to stay, enjoy light refreshments, and explore the building, grounds, and current exhibit.
The Sacred Water Shared Future campaign is powered by you! The heart of this centennial celebration is the incredible variety of events planned and hosted by our partners — community groups, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and individuals who feel a connection to the Mississippi River.
We do not host events ourselves; instead, we serve as a central hub for river-focused activities happening across the Twin Cities throughout 2026.