The Library invites you to attend a virtual poetry reading on Monday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m. EST by Joy Harjo of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the first Native American to be appointed as U.S. Poet Laureate (2019-2021).
U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.
Harjo is an award-winning author of nine books of poetry. Her memoir “Crazy Brave” won the American Book Award and the PEN USA Literary Award for Creative Non-Fiction. She’s also a talented musician, performing on saxophone solo and with her band, the Arrow Dynamics. Her readings of poetry, which she characterizes as “soul talk,” are grounded in oral tradition and often include voice inflection and singing to engage with audiences.
Registration is required so please register now and submit a question for the Q&A session!
The reading is organized by Native American and Indigenous Studies @ UVA, and is supported by the UVA Library together with UVA’s Office of the President, Office of the Vice President and Provost, Office of Engagement, Mellon Indigenous Arts Program, Mapping Indigenous Worlds Humanities Lab, Global Studies program, and the Departments of English and Anthropology.
Harjo’s poetry reading is part of a three-day virtual visit to UVA, during which she will meet with students in classes, and with members of Native American and Indigenous Studies @ UVA. While the poetry reading is free to everyone, the student-led discussions are limited to the UVA community. If you have questions, please contact Catherine Walden, or visit Poetry Reading by Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.
Schedule of events:
November 16
- Student-led discussion with Joy Harjo, 2:00-2:45 p.m. EST. Please register.
- Public poetry reading by Joy Harjo, open to all, 6:00 p.m. Please register.
November 17
- Student-led discussion with Joy Harjo, 1:00-3:00 p.m. EST. Please register.
If you would like to learn more about indigenous peoples and cultures of North America, please visit these online resources available through the UVA Library: