wordz from tha’ soul

Elizabeth Alexander Poet

19 Dec 2008 1 Comment

by alesica in Check This!, News pick of the day Tags: African American studies Yale, Barack Obama, Elizabeth Alexander, inauguration poet, Maya Angelou, Miller Williams, poetry, Robert Frost, Yale University

Professer of African American Studies at Yale University has been chosen  by President-elect Barack Obama to compose and read a poem for his inauguraion on January 20, 2009. 

Elizabeth Alexander was born in New York City and raised in Washington,  DC. She received her B.A. from Yale University, M. A. from Boston University,  and her Ph.D. in English from the University of Pennsylvania.  She has read her poetry and lectured accross the country.

Mrs. Alexander will be the fourth poet to  read their poetry at the presidential inauguration. Former poet’s that have shared their poetry  are Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, and Miller Williams.  She became friends with Barack Obama while working at the University of Chicago in the 1990′s.  

Reading  her poetry at the inauguration will be added to her lists of accomplishments. Last year she received $50,000 for winning the Jackson Poetry Prize.  She has also was a Pulzer Prize finalist for her collection titled “American Sublime” in 2005. Other books she has completed include “The Venue Hottentot”, “Body of life” and the Attebellum Dream Book.” She has also recently  published a book of essays titled “The Black Interior”. She also has received a number of awards.

To learn more about Elizabeth Alexander and her work please take a moment and visit her website http://elizabethalexander.net