ONLINE PANEL–Voices of the Nation: Celebrating the Work of U.S. Poets Laureate Tracy K. Smith

ONLINE PANEL–California Lutheran University’s three-part poetry series, “Voices of the Nation: Celebrating the Work of U.S. Poets Laureate” will explore the content and the rich context of the works of three U.S. Poets Laureate. The first event on Feb. 17 will explore the works of Tracy K. Smith, U.S. Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019. The series continues March 10 with an event focused on Juan Felipe Herrera, U.S. Poet Laureate from 2015-2017, and one dedicated to Joy Harjo on April 14, who is the current U.S. Poet Laureate, 2019-2021. Harjo is the first indigenous poet to serve as U.S. Laureate. At each event, a panel of guest speakers and faculty poets and scholars will present on subjects in their areas of expertise such as content on poetics, social justice, immigration, and indigenous land struggles. Students in the Cal Lutheran Honors English course, Poetry and the National Consciousness, will read selected poems by the laureates. On March 10, Juan Felipe Herrera will attend and read from his newest book, “Every Day We Get More Illegal.” Hosted by Dr. Jacqueline Lyons, Cal Lutheran Associate Professor of English & Creative Writing, the virtual series is free and open to the public. Registration is required for each webinar. Register here. Event links will be sent to registrants prior to the program. This project is supported by a Humanities for All Quick Grant.