April 1-3, 2010
Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing
Chicago State University
Builder of Positive Reality: A Celebration of the Lifelong Achievements of Dr. Haki R. Madhubuti & the 20th Anniversary of the Gwendolyn Brooks
Chicago, April 1-3, 2010: One of the most highly read, widely discussed and internationally renowned American poets headlines the 20th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Conference for Black Literature and Creative Writing at Chicago State University (CSU).
Nikki Giovanni will headline a writers’ conference that will feature a tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks Center and Third World Press founder Haki R. Madhubuti, April 1-3, 2010. Other featured writers include American Book Award winner Angela Jackson, critically acclaimed poet and memoirist R. Dwayne Betts, nationally-renowned journalist John Fountain and spoken word poet and author Staceyann Chin.
Giovanni will be the Gwendolyn Brooks Conference’s Giant’s Day honoree, a distinction bestowed on writers and scholars who have made unparalleled contributions to Black Diasporic Literature. Past honorees include luminaries such as Amiri Baraka, Walter Mosley, the late Octavia Butler and Sonia Sanchez. In addition, notable writers and scholars Samuel Allen, Jan Carew, Maryemma Graham, and Trudier Harris will be inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent, a distinction bestowed upon writers who have made significant contributions to the universe of Black Literature.
The 2010 conference activities include panel discussions, musical interludes, receptions and an arts and crafts market.
What’s notable about this year’s conference is that it marks 20 years since the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing has coordinated and hosted a writers’ conference. Also, it marks the last conference where Professor Madhubuti will preside as Director Emeritus of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center.
For more information and pricing about this event, please contact me at 773-995-4440/gbrookscenter@gmail.com. Information about this event can also be found at www.csu.edu/gwendolynbrooks
Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing (GBC) was founded in 1990 on the historic campus of Chicago State University (CSU). It is named after Ms. Brooks, the former Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois and Distinguished Professor of English at Chicago State University. This Gwendolyn Brooks Conference for Black Literature and Creative Writing is sponsored The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council and the Chicago State University College of Arts & Sciences.
For information on registration please contact the Gwendolyn Brooks Center at 773-995-4440 or gbrookscenter@gmail.com.
http://www.csu.edu/GwendolynBrooks/
