FYI ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Syed K.Jamal <syed@gritcitystudio.org> Date: Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 8:04 AM Subject: 🎯 The LitFest is all set To: <syed@gobranta.com> Join us.‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­‌ ­ <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo1eQsnbdbyBxKGFd/1WoXg0YFjh4u> Hello there, There is a lot to share. But for now, here are three quick updates: *Road to Tacoma LitFest series: *This is bringing a rich lineup of online conversations and community gatherings from February through May 2, when we gather at the Armory for the Tacoma Literature Festival. *All conversations are here*. *Sign up soon*. <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo1kTb2QjDsLSts89/FYLPLOnEfpDm> Today, Feb 11, at 6.30 pm, you can ask anything from two of the Grit City Studio team members. See below and *sign up here* <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo1qWJHFopmUyTU0f/L9kvTTGFYlbT>. ­ *Keynote speaker: We are deeply honored to announce that Justice Helen Whitener will be one of the keynote speakers at the Tacoma Literature Festival 📚⚖️* A true history-maker, Justice Whitener was the first African American woman to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court—breaking barriers, opening doors, and redefining what leadership rooted in courage and compassion looks like. Her life and work remind us that words, stories, and laws all shape the moral imagination of a community. Her voice carries wisdom earned through lived experience, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a profound belief in dignity, equity, and possibility. We cannot imagine a more powerful presence for #TacomaLitFest. Join us for this unforgettable conversation. *Vendor update: *If you have applied to be a vendor, check your inbox for an email with this subject line: *Pay for Tacoma Lit Fest*. If you’ve already applied but haven’t received the confirmation email, please contact us right away at *TLF@gritcitystudio.org <TLF@gritcitystudio.org>* *More conversations are on the way—from book clubs and poetry to screenwriting and adaptations. And another keynote announcement to delight you. Stay tuned! * Tacoma LitFest is your chance to *build authentic, lasting connections with thousands of passionate readers, creators, and community members*. Mark your calendar to attend. If relevant, please also join us as a vendor or sponsor and *be part of a powerful movement that uplifts voices, fosters creativity, and celebrates what makes Tacoma unique. * *Thank you,* *Cinematically yours,**Syed K. Jamal* CEO & Founder, *Grit City Studio* <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo1wZ1W4uRgeU35tB/pnmIZgSI9OUY> <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo22bjku03anzchlh/-CB5w0aqt6Ql>| Branta <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo28eRzj5fUxVCJeD/4P660f0M8i3-> Chair, Tacoma-Kochi Committee at Tacoma Sister Cities Board Member, The World Affairs Council - Tacoma <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo2EhAEYBHP70lvWj/pW1_JjPBZxs8> *Partner with us <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo2KjsTNGtJGWLXPF/zpoYcwEi7Kap>* to build Tacoma's creative economy *All Things Creative: Join our newsletter* <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo2QmaiCMVDQ1v9Hl/uReQAswafTs_> ­ Become a LitFest Sponsor <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/OycZvHuFo2WpIx1S77ZXUlAH/vltQiCGF8nGb> ­ ­ Apply as LitFest Vendor <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGYqJHqb2KVe6i8Cz3/D0NUThaEvfoU> ­ <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGZFGUVnzV1VN5Ac5B/Mp7oYno71bBG> ­ <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGZeDhB0wfXMdSD1BJ/4-XBsntSojWQ> ­ <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGa3AtqDtq3DtpFQHR/5qVTC_4NA34i> ­ <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGaS86VQr0Z5ACHpNZ/QdXFucjI117d> ­ <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGar5JAdoB4wQZKETh/2jjAP5QlRzjg> Grit City Studio Tacoma, WA 98465 support@gritcitystudio.org <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGbG2VpqlLangwMdZp/uD0LqfJoX3Pl> *Privacy* <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGbeziV3iW6exJP2fx/1-fKftBYxDU7> *Imprint* <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1f8JIKXwHGc3wvAGfgcWDgRRm5/otPVcDfNhKei> *Unsubscribe* <https://gjviw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/un/v2/sh/OycXxkuu2HoUYghJTsyj5Caf/yike8ZXCg1lH>