Former Thornton Writer named new U.S. Poet Laureate
Joy Harjo has been named to be the twenty-third United States Poet Laureate—and the first Native American to hold that position. The Thornton Endowment brought Harjo to campus in November of 2016 for a reading that was enthusiastically received. Professor Jeremy Bryant recalls that visit, “Harjo’s evening at the University of Lynchburg was one full of music, poetry, and storytelling. Harjo selflessly gave of herself, weaving her spoken word with the beautiful sound of her sax. For a wonderful moment in time, we, the audience, connected with the poet, and together we explored what it means to be human.”
Professor Laura Marello speaks of Harjo’s generosity in spending time with our creative writing students. And she adds, “since I have loved her poetry for decades, I felt honored to have her at UL and thrilled the students could speak with her and hear her read. Now, knowing she has been named Poet Laureate, I am also thrilled to know our UL students have met a U.S. Poet Laureate.”
