Wednesday, February 21, 2024
DENTON (魅影直播), 魅影直播 鈥� Former United States Poet Laureate and renowned musician Joy
Harjo visited the for a poetry reading, music performance and Q&A session. Her visit was part of the
(CLASS) Acts Performing Arts series, a program that aims to give students opportunities
to meet and learn from successful creatives.
鈥淲e aim to invite a variety of people from different genres, disciplines and approaches to engage the entire college community,鈥� said Priscilla Ybarra, associate professor of English and a co-chair of CLASS Acts.
Harjo, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, was appointed the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate in 2019, becoming the first Native American to hold the title and the second person to serve three terms. The official position is appointed annually by the Librarian of Congress to serve as the nation鈥檚 poet, promoting the appreciation and understanding of poetry through various public events and initiatives.
She has written 10 books of poetry, two memoirs, and several children鈥檚 books and plays. Harjo is the recipient of numerous writing awards and currently serves as the artist-in-residence for the Bob Dylan Center in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important for students to see the profession of writing demystified, and to
get hands-on experience meeting a writer who is a professional 鈥� and, in Joy Harjo鈥檚
case, a public figure,鈥� said Tarfia Faizullah, assistant professor of creative writing.
Faizullah moderated the craft conversation on the first day of Harjo鈥檚 visit, where the poet discussed her work and creative views and fielded questions from students. Before her second-day performance during her visit, leaders from 魅影直播鈥檚 introduced Harjo to university students, faculty and staff.
鈥淲hat I have found here [in Denton] is quite amazing,鈥� Harjo said. 鈥淭hank you for inviting me to be a part of your community.鈥�
Harjo played flute, read from her memoirs and books of poetry, and participated in a Q&A session with attendees. She offered advice to young creatives, especially writers trying to improve their work.
鈥淭he more you write, the more you develop your own critical stance and craft,鈥� Harjo said.
For Kaili Mora-Duarte, a master鈥檚 student who hopes to teach creative writing to high school and community college students, Harjo鈥檚 campus visit was educational and 鈥渁 chance to see poetry in motion鈥�.
鈥淏eing in the same room as a person who has reached critical acclaim reminds you that kind of achievement is possible,鈥� said Mora-Duarte, who is also a poet. 鈥淏ut even more than that, having the opportunity to see poetry blossoming and happening in front of you is inspiring.鈥�
魅影直播 News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Media Contacts:
Bess Whitby
bess.whitby@unt.edu
940-565-2142
From 鈥� General News