Book It - Recent Publications From the Department of English
It was an excellent summer for the Department of English as six faculty members published books in highly-regarded presses.
frank x walker
Medgar Evers Un-Ghosted in New WUKY Radio Production
"The Unghosting of Medgar Evers" is a book of poetry about the slain civil rights icon and now the title of a special one-hour radio production by WUKY 91.3 FM, the University of Kentucky's NPR station.
Time Well Spent: Eli Edwards
English Professor Armando Prats said something that stuck in Elijah Edwards' head, "We are, in great measure, the living expression of our influences." It's a powerful sentiment that recent English graduate Edwards reflects in his own story.
Kentucky's Poet Laureate Frank X Walker
Kentucky has a rich literary history, and the new Poet Laureate of the Bluegrass State, Frank X Walker, has a deep respect and knowledge of those great writers before him.
Frank’s Kentucky roots have integrally shaped his perspective as a writer and teacher. The Danville native has said "One of the things I know, having lived in other states than Kentucky, is that it means something to be a Kentucky writer."
Frank created the word “Affrilachia,” which identified the African American experience in the Appalachian region.
African American and Africana Studies Program Expands with New Faculty
The African American and Africana Studies (AAAS) program emerged in Fall 2011, uniting African American Studies & Research Program with Africana Studies, to create greater community presence, to provide international study opportunities in the focus area and to work toward creating an undergraduate major. In the Fall 2013, the area will expand even further, as two new distinguished faculty join the program.
'UK at the Half' Features Kentucky's Latest Poet Laureate, Frank X Walker
Frank X Walker, associate professor of English at the University of Kentucky and recently announced Kentucky poet laureate, was the guest on the March 2 "UK at the Half," which aired during the UK vs. Arkansas game that was broadcast on radio.
'UK at the Half' features Frank X Walker, Kentucky Poet Laureate
UK English Professor and Affrilachian poet Frank X Walker has been named Kentucky's Poet Laureate! In this segment from UK at the Half with Carl Nathe, Walker talks about the award and his childhood dreams of literary accomplishment.
Race and Appalachian Poetry: Frank Walker
Frank Walker, associate professor in the Department of English, discusses the origin of the word "Affrilachia" and how the use of the word forces the redefinition of a region traditionally described as all-white. Walker noted several key artists and intellectuals from Appalachia to illustrate the region's cultural diversity.
'Rebuilding the Block' Culminates With Sankofa Awards
The Sankofa Awards, honoring African-American men who have demonstrated excellence in the categories of service, social and environmental justice, scholarship, philanthropy, creativity and entrepreneurship, will provide a symbolic end to the series that began in December 2011.
Voices from Shanghai: May 2012 Symposium
At the end of May 2012, a delegation of faculty from the University of Kentucky went to Shanghai University to promote the American Studies Center, a partnership between UK and SHU. Michelle Sizemore facilitated a group discussion between UK and SHU students about cultural difference, identity, and storytelling across cultures.