January 26th 2024.
Emory University's very own Professor Jericho Brown, who holds the prestigious Charles Howard Candler Professorship in English and Creative Writing, has recently been appointed to the highly esteemed Board of Chancellors of the Academy of American Poets. This exciting news was confirmed by Emory News Center, and marks yet another impressive accomplishment in Brown's already illustrious career. The Academy, which is currently celebrating its 90th year, has had the honor of having more than 125 renowned poets, such as Elizabeth Bishop, Rita Dove, and Adrienne Rich, serve as chancellors. These individuals have played pivotal roles as artistic advisers, poetry ambassadors, and judges for the academy's significant literary awards.
With his recent appointment, Brown, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, joins the current 15-member board alongside newly appointed chancellors Diane Seuss and Afaa Michael Weaver. This diverse board comprises of influential poets such as Natalie Diaz, Joy Harjo, and Tracy K. Smith, all of whom bring a wealth of poetic wisdom and experience to guide the academy's initiatives.
Tess O'Dwyer, the chair of the Academy's Board of Directors, expressed her pride in the diversity of voices within the board's leadership, stating, "Everything we do as an academy is enhanced by the collective wisdom of our chancellors." O'Dwyer further added, "We celebrate the contributions that these newly elected chancellors have made to poetry, not just on the page but also in their impact across the nation and the world."
Jericho Brown, whose groundbreaking work includes the Pulitzer Prize-winning collection, The Tradition, is known for introducing innovative poetic forms such as the "duplex." His literary achievements also include the American Book Award-winning debut, Please, and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award recipient, The New Testament. Brown has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Whiting Writers' Award and fellowships from the Academy of American Poets, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. His impact on the world of poetry extends beyond his written words; since joining Emory University's faculty in 2012, he has also directed its acclaimed Creative Writing Program, shaping the next generation of poets. This spring, he will serve as the program's interim director and lead an advanced poetry workshop for undergraduate students.
In other news, two graduates of Prairie View A&M University have been making waves in Houston through their use of poetry and education to reach out to youth. This inspiring story highlights the power of poetry and its ability to impact and uplift communities. With Brown's appointment as a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, it is clear that his contributions to the world of poetry will continue to inspire and make a difference. Congratulations, Professor Brown, on this well-deserved recognition.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
