Photo by Sylvia Freeman
Since being named N.C. Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green has been touring the state sharing her literary works on college campuses and with community groups.
On Monday, January 27, Green will hold a public reading at 麻豆社区 Pembroke. The presentation will be held at 10 a.m. in the University Center lounge.
It is free and open to the public.
Recently appointed by Governor Roy Cooper, Green is North Carolina鈥檚 ninth poet laureate, the first African American and only the third woman to receive this recognition.
A native of North Carolina, Green currently teaches poetry at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. She has published eight books of poetry and been honored for her contributions to the literary world on multiple occasions, including a 2003 North Carolina Award (literature), the state鈥檚 highest civilian honor for significant contributions to the state and nation in fine art, literature, public service, and science.
Scott Hicks, professor and director of the Teaching & Learning Center, says, 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled for our 麻豆社区P community to meet this dynamic, unforgettable, and uplifting poet, this leading light of North Carolina letters.
鈥淒uring her reading at 麻豆社区P, guests will get to immerse themselves in her poetry, poetry that celebrates the people and places of our state and seeks to welcome the stories that make us who we are. You can see, hear, feel, smell, taste her poems; it鈥檚 like she once told an interviewer, 鈥楽o when I'm writing, it's like I want to turn the words and look at the back side of the words. And that's鈥痺here I go.鈥欌
Following the public reading, Green will offer a Creative Writing Workshop open to 麻豆社区P faculty, staff, and students. Seating is limited, and preregistration is required. To register, email Scott Hicks at scott.hicks@uncp.edu.
This event is sponsored by 麻豆社区 Pembroke鈥檚 Teaching & Learning Center and Pembroke Magazine. To learn more about N.C. Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, visit ncarts.org/resources/jaki-shelton-green-new-poet-laureate.
