![[logo]](https://cdn1.lib.jmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/JMU-Logo_ASpace2VAHeritage.png){kind=logo}
James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
820 Madison DriveTiffany Cole, Phillip Wong, Bodeene Amyot, Layne Carpenter
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Collection is open to research. Currently, the silk banners used in the 2004 and 2014 Furious Flower Poetry Conferences may only be requested (in writing) by Furious Flower Poetry Center staff. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Processing of audiovisual content is in-process as of April 2022. Access will be made available to content once processing is complete, barring any copyright or use restrictions.
[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Furious Flower Poetry Center Records, 1970-2021, UA 0017, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Furious Flower Poetry Center transferred these materials to Special Collections on May 16 and June 29, 2016. Subsequent transfers occurred in September 2017, September 2019, April 2023, and October 2024.
The donor's original order, including folder titles, was maintained whenever possible. The archivist imposed an order on any unordered files, titled any untitled files, and created discrete series. Social security numbers and bank account numbers have been redacted from materials. When possible, newspapers and clippings were photocopied and originals returned to donor. All material contained within three-ring binders was disbound and foldered in original order. During processing several folders were discovered to be empty. Their folder titles are as follows: Dream in Color Drafts, WHSV Children First 2010, WVPT Kid's Book Festival 2010, Poetry Month 2010, Winter Poetry Contest 2010, Marilyn Nelson Reading 2010, 73 Poems Honorariums (Music). The empty folders were discarded. Numerous folders with small purchase credit card statements and receipts were also discarded. Series I has also been renamed "Grants and Financial Files."
In April 2022, the contents of the Furious Flower Poetry Center Conference Records (UA 0018) were incorporated into the Furious Flower Poetry Center Records (UA 0017) due to the collections' shared provenance and their creation by the same administrative body. The conference records were added as a separate series with subseries for each of the decennial conferences. At this same time, accruals received after initial processing were physically arranged to match their intellectual arrangement. Additional financial files deemed to have limited research value were also weeded in April 2022. Administrative receipts, travel vouchers, travel expenses and reimbursements, travel authorizations, purchase orders, invoices for supplies, monthly detail budget reports, and budget revisions were returned to FFPC.
Processing of audiovisual content is in-process as of April 2022. Access will be made available to content once processing is complete, barring any copyright or use restrictions.
Small Purchase Credit Card Statements were discarded due to lack of research value.
Due to duplication elsewhere in Special Collections the following issues of Madison (known as Montpelier from 1977-2005), many with articles pertaining to Furious Flower Poetry Center, were returned to the donor: Summer 2003, Winter 2005, Spring 2006, Fall 2006, Summer 2006, Spring 2007, Summer 2007, Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Winter 2008, Summer 2009, Fall 2009, Spring/Summer 2010, Spring/Summer 2011, Fall 2011, Spring/Summer 2015. These issues were loose when donated and were not a part of any pre-established order or foldering system.
It is anticipated that the Furious Flower Poetry Center will continue to donate conference files approximately every ten years and other administrative records on a more frequent basis.
The Furious Flower Poetry Center (FFPC) was established in 1999 by Joanne V. Gabbin when she was the director of James Madison University's Honors Program. With this flagship of the Honors Program, she continued the kind of programming she had begun by hosting the 1994 Furious Flower Poetry Conference, which was the nation's first scholarly conference on Black poetry. The conference, entitled Furious Flower: A Revolution in African American Poetry, was dedicated to acclaimed poet Gwendolyn Brooks and featured scholars, critics, and the most accomplished and esteemed poets of the time including Nikki Giovanni, Rita Dove, Sonia Sanchez, Michael S. Harper, Haki Madhubuti, and Gwendolyn Brooks herself. The name "Furious Flower" is derived from Brooks' poem Second Sermon on the Warpland in which she writes:
The time cracks into furious flower. Lifts its face all unashamed. And sways in wicked grace.
Many who participated in the inaugural Furious Flower conference had their roots in the Black Arts Movement. The Black Arts Movement emerged in the wake of the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s and was comprised of politically motivated black visionaries, poets, artists, dramatists, musicians, and writers. The conference was met with overwhelming praise and The Washington Post called it an historic event.
Due to the success of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, the Furious Flower Poetry Center (FFPC) was established in 1999 and the Conference became a decennial event, held every ten years. The subsequent conferences were Regenerating the Black Poetic Tradition (2004) and Seeding the Future of African American Poetry (2014). Conference programming is comprised of concerts, readings, roundtable and panel discussions, and paper presentations.
In 2005, following the success of the second Furious Flower Poetry Conference (2004), JMU gave the FFPC its official charter, making it the first academic center in the United States devoted to Black poetry. Gabbin became its executive director, leaving the Honors Program after 19 years of service.
Today, the FFPC is committed to "cultivating, honoring, and promoting the diverse voices of African American poets by making the genre accessible to a wide audience and collaborating with educational and cultural institutions, literary organizations, and artists." It hosts visiting poets for readings at JMU and nearby venues; sponsors workshops; holds an annual poetry camp for elementary and middle school-aged children; produces texts, videos, DVDs and other materials on African-American poetry; and gathers poets and other scholars for intimate panels and seminars, as well as major conferences. FFPC has held four decennial Furious Flower Conferences: "A Revolution in African American Poetry" (1994), "Regenerating the Black Poetic Tradition" (2004), "Seeding the Future of African American Poetry" (2014), and "Furious Flower IV: Celebrating the Worlds of Black Poetry (2024).
FFPC is located off of Martin Luther King Jr. Way/Historic Cantrell Avenue. Beyond her duties as Executive Director of the Furious Flower Poetry Center, Joanne Gabbin is a professor of English at JMU, a published author, and a member of the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent.
The Furious Flower Poetry Center Records, 1970-2024, consisting of 17.6 cubic feet (43 boxes, 1 rolled storage container), document the departmental activities of the Furious Flower Poetry Center, a unit formerly of the JMU Honor's Program that became its own separate academic center of the University in 2005. A portion of the material contained within the records derive from events and programs sponsored by the Furious Flower Poetry Center including 73 Poems for 73 Years: Celebrating the Life of Lucille Clifton, Lineage: The Margaret Walker Song Cycle, and an annual children's poetry camp. Specific types of materials include event posters and brochures, exhibit panels, logistical and planning documentation, and email correspondence. Materials related to publications produced by the Center such as Mourning Katrina: A Poetic Response to Tragedy and Shaping Memories: Reflections of African American Women Writers are comprised of draft manuscripts and correspondence with poets and publishers. Grant proposals and awards, many of which relate to the aforementioned events and projects, are also represented. Materials related to the decennial Furious Flower poetry conferences, including administrative documentation and video recordings, are represented in the Conference Records series.
The collection is arranged into four series. Series are arranged chronologically; Series 2, 3, and 4 are further arranged alphabetically according to a particular publication or event.
Grants and Financial Files, 2004-2021 Publications and Manuscripts, 1993-2012 Events, Programs, and Workshops, 1990-2019 Conference Records, 1970-2015A copy of Mourning Katrina: A Poetic Response to Tragedy Buena Vista, Va.: Mariner Publishing, 2009 and 73 Poems for 73 Years: Celebrating the Life of Lucille Clifton Harrisonburg, Va.: Virginia Tech Printing Services, 2010 were removed from Series 2, catalogued, and placed in the Special Collections rare book collection.
The following titles were removed from Series 3 and catalogued: Opala, Joseph A. The Gullah: rice, slavery and the Sierra Leone-American connection. Freetown, Sierra Leone: USIS, 1987; Opala, Joseph. Krio in a nutshell.: Krio Grammar with Lessons, Exercise and Vocabulary, Vol. 1. Freetown, Sierra Leone: [publisher not identified], 1991; Opala, Joseph. Krio in a nutshell.: Krio Conversation with Dialogues, Stories, Proverbs, etc., Vol. 2. Freetown, Sierra Leone: [publisher not identified], 1991; Geraty, Virginia Mixson. Bittle en' t'ing': Gullah cooking with Maum Chrish'. Orangeburg, S.C.: Sandlapper Pub., 1992.
A broadside printing of Rita Dove's "Ode to My Right Knee" (no. 39 of 100) was removed from the collection and cataloged separately.
Arranged chronologically.
FFPC relies heavily on funding from corporate entities and non-profits to subsidize and off-set the cost of furthering their mission of promoting African-American poetry. As such, this series contains grant proposals and awards (all closed) relating to events, publications, and other projects sponsored by the Furious Flower Poetry Center. Projects represented in this series include "Dream in Color," an online curriculum sponsored by Target that enabled elementary, middle, and high-school students to discover the works of African-American poets; and the publication of Mourning Katrina, an anthology of poems by observers and survivors of Hurricane Katrina. All grant materials were removed from three-ring binders and foldered, maintaining original order.
Arranged chronologically by project date and sub-arranged alphabetically within each project.
This series contains material related to publications and manuscripts produced by the Furious Flower Poetry Center. In many cases this refers to books in the typical sense (Mourning Katrina: A Poetic Response to Tragedy, Furious Flower: African-American Poetry from the Black Arts Movement to the Present), Furious Flower Poetry Center also oversaw the publication of The Painted Word – a set of notecards and a corresponding calendar of poets' portraits. Correspondence with various publishers is also included.
Arranged chronologically by event and sub-arranged alphabetically within each event.
This series is comprised of material relating primarily to the many events, programs, and workshops hosted and sponsored by the Furious Flower Poetry Center. Major events represented in this series include Tell Me Your Names: The Poetry of Lucille Clifton, a week-long seminar held June 14 –June 21, 2009 and 73 Poems for 73 Years: Celebrating the Life of Lucille Clifton, a tribute program held September 21, 2010. Of particular interest are 57 oversize exhibit panels from Among Poets: Lucille Clifton Commemorative Exhibition. This 2012 exhibition held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the Enoch Pratt Free Library, both in Baltimore, Maryland, primarily feature photographs by Lynda Koolish of Lucille Clifton, her contemporaries, and her family and friends. The Center's annual Children's Poetry Camp is also well documented. Researchers should note that there are some files in this series (e.g. materials concerning Oni Lasana Productions) that are not directly related to events held by FFPC. These events are likely ones attended by FFPC staff or documented because they serve as examples of comparable outreach initiatives or similar types of promotion.
One file of materials related to the Furious Flower Poetry Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration, held in September 2019 at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, include promotional material, a schedule of events, and a copy of the invocation presented by Rev. Edward A. Scott. Of particular interest is a promotional card inscribed by Qiniso "Qibho" Motsa, a poet, musicion, author, and social activist from Eswatini.
The series is arranged chronologically into three sub-series:
Sub-series 4.1: 1994 Conference, 1970-2009 Sub-series 4.2: 2004 Conference, 2002-2007 Sub-series 4.3: 2014 Conference, 2013-2015The donor's original order, including folder titles, was maintained whenever possible. The archivist imposed an order on any unordered files, titled any untitled files, and created discrete series. Social security numbers and bank account numbers have been redacted from materials. When possible, newspapers and clippings were photocopied and originals returned to donor. The collection of magnesium letterpress die plates are individually boxed and organized by the poem's appearance in the publication Furious Flower: A Revolution in African American Poetry into larger boxes (one record storage box and one oversize Hollinger box). Furious Flower Poetry Center donated a box of rolled posters in cardboard tubes, all identical, from the 1994 and 2004 conferences – each cardboard tube contained one 1994 poster and one 2004 poster. Due to duplication elsewhere in this collection, only one set of posters was retained. They were flattened and placed in the Oversize series. Processing of audiovisual content is in-process as of April 2022. Access will be made available to content once processing is complete, barring any copyright or use restrictions.
This series comprises materials related to the decennial Furious Flower poetry conferences, beginning with the inaugural conference in 1994. A significant portion of the records include logistical and planning documentation for each conference as well as marking and promotional items. These materials are comprised of calls for papers, contracts, correspondence, address lists, ticket requests, travel, transportation, and lodging reservations, and menus. The records include nontraditional items as well. Of interest are exhibit panels (text labels and images) describing and depicting the participants of the 1994 conference. Magnesium letterpress die plates used to print a limited edition portfolio Furious Flower: A Revolution in African American Poetry, a special collection of 23 poems selected by poets (who participated in the 1994 conference) to represent their work, are included. Six silk banners that adorned the Wilson Hall auditorium during the 2004 and 2014 conferences are included.
[Identification of item, (including title and date)], [box #, folder # OR identifier], Furious Flower Poetry Center Records, 1970-2021, UA 0017, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Arranged alphabetically with the exception of the Exhibit of Participants materials and the magnesium letterpress die plates which are located at the end of the series due to their size. Note that the numbering system for the letterpress die plates is sequential based on each poem's order in the publication Furious Flower: A Revolution in African American Poetry. As such the first folder/four-flap enclosure in box nine is labeled 9:21b. This is the plate for page two of the 21st poem in the publication. Materials in this series primarily document the planning and implementation of the 1994 Furious Flower Poetry Conference: A Revolution in African American Poetry. Records include travel and lodging reservations, correspondence with participating poets, financial documentation and budgets, and mailing lists. Marketing and promotional items such as posters and brochures are included. Conference evaluations completed by attendees and folders labeled "Positive Responses" document the overwhelming success of the conference. Of particular interest are exhibit components from the 1994 conference that include text labels and images of each participating poet. The photographs for these panels were taken by C. B. Claiborne. Copy 225 of 300 of Furious Flower: A Revolution in African American Poetry is located in box 2, folder 5. The magnesium letterpress die plates used to print this collection of poetry are also included here. Each plate is individually housed in a four-flap enclosure and then boxed in order of appearance in the publication. Of significance are the video recordings documenting conference proceedings and interviews with Black poets.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Event footage is arranged chronologically by capture time, with the exception of the "supercuts," consisting of video montages, which are arranged by program day. See the Interviews with Poets sub-group for additional arrangement details.
The 1994 Conference Video Recordings, 1994 September 29-October 1, were produced by John L. Hodges. The videos represent the raw footage captured during the 1994 Conference.
Video recordings were digitized for preservation and research access by Scene Savers in 2016 and 2017. Select records were decribed by JMU graduate assistant Mitchell Teal in 2018 and 2019 for research access through JMU Scholarly Commons in support of a JMU X-Labs course. Description is ongoing as of 2022. Access to content will be made available once description is complete, barring any copyright or other use restrictions.
This series contains 45 video recordings captured by John L. Hodges during the 1994 Furious Flower Poetry Conference as well as interviews with poets.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Opening invocation and welcome to participants for the 1994 Furious Flower Conference at James Madison University. The Opening Session was held at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre at James Madison University on Thursday, September 29, 1994 at 8:30 a.m. This footage was originally recorded on 1 MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
The Critics' Roundtable, "African American Poetry and the Vernacular Matrix," was held at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre at James Madison University on Thursday, September 29, 1994 at 9:30 a.m.
Original 1994 Furious Flower Poetry Conference program reads, "African American poetry, perhaps more so than fiction and drama, has lent and continues to lend itself to the thematic and formalistic expression of its matrixing in African American culture, in the vernacular (folk and popular) culture in particular. This roundtable will investigate the nature and extent of this matrixing. It will consider the relationship of the folk to the popular vernacular mode, whether "continuity" or "disjuncture" best describes that relationship and how the difference between the two is imprinted upon the literature. It will also consider the nature and validity of rural/urban, southern/northern distinctions as they apply to cultural expressive manifestations such as the blues, and the degree to which these distinctions spill over into the poetry as a literary production. (Alvin Aubert)"
This footage was originally recorded on 3 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Michael S. Harper's Keynote speech at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. The session continued with poetry readings by Elizabeth Alexander, Gerald Barrax, Toi Derricotte, and E. Ethelbert Miller. The Keynote Speech and Poetry Reading was held at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre at James Madison University on Thursday, September 29, 1994 at 1 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System
Poetry Readings by Sam Allen, Pinkie Gordon Lane, Haki Madhubuti, and Naomi Long Madgett at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. The Poetry Reading was held at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre at James Madison University on Thursday, September 29, 1994 at 4:45 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Poetry Readings by Amiri Baraka, Mari Evans, Michael S. Harper, and Sonia Sanchez at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. The JMU Jazz Ensemble opened the session by playing "Cherry Juice." The Poetry Reading was held at Wilson Hall, James Madison University on Thursday, September 29, 1994 at 8 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
The Critics' Roundtable, "Critical Theories and Approaches in African American Poetry," was held at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre at James Madison University on Friday, September 30, 1994 at 9:30 a.m.
Original 1994 Furious Flower Poetry Conference program reads, "The work of literary theory and of theorizing in other areas of the human sciences is to specify what conditions obtain among those who create, those who make use of creations, and the languages (or signs) that enable creators and consumers to negotiate in a world of social constructions. In short, theory is obligated to explain relations between people and artifacts in the contexts of history and culture. In that sense, theory is necessary for rigorous examination of African American poetry. How might theory advance the study and appreciation of African American poetry? Within the frame of this questions, scholars on the panel will be asked to address what kind of critical or cultural theory seems most appropriate for understanding poetry, how such theories influence interpretive methods and approaches, and how must theorists themselves grapple with their own historicity in light of African American poetry's evolution from orature to literature to newer genres that mix orality and literacy. The aim of the panel is to clarify some problems of theory and poetry as they affect various audiences (Jerry W. Ward, Jr.)"
This footage was originally recorded on 4 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Rita Dove and Gwendolyn Brooks' Keynote Speeches at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. The Keynotes were held at Wilson Hall, James Madison University on Friday, September 30, 1994 at 1 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Poetry Readings by Dolores Kendrick, Nikki Giovanni, and Eugene Redmond at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. The Poetry Reading was held at Wilson Hall, James Madison University on Friday, September 30, 1994 at 3 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Tribute Banquet to honor important black poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Mari Evans, Raymond Patterson, Margaret Walker, Naomi Long Madgett, Samuel W. Allen, Pinkie Gordon Lane, and Gwendolyn Brooks were the honored poets. The banquet was held at Phillips Hall, James Madison University on Friday, September 30, 1994 at 7 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
The Critics' Roundtable, "Writing a Literary History of African American Poetry," was held at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre at James Madison University on Saturday, October 1, 1994 at 9:30 a.m.
Original 1994 Furious Flower Poetry Conference program reads, "As the drum stands at the crossroads of traditional African and African American culture, so the poets stand at the center of the drum providing the cadence, connections and continuity that define their literary history. Panelists on this roundtable will speak on periodicity and identify significant literary movements from the Harlem Renaissance through the Black Arts Movement to hip-hop. In an attempt to provide a valid historical framework for the poetry, panelists will discuss major literary milestones and important poets emerging during the twentieth century. (Eugene Redmond)"
This footage was originally recorded on 3 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Poetry Free Read at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. The Free Read was held at Grafton-Stovall Theatre, James Madison University on Saturday, October 1, 1994.
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Poetry Readings by Jacqueline Brice-Finch, Gwen Butler, Kalamu ya Salaam, Jeannette Drake, Sybil Kein, Adam David Miller, Brenda Marie Osbey, Fabu Carter, Ester Iverem, and Mona Lisa Saloy at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. The Poetry Reading was held at Grafton-Stovall Theatre, James Madison University on Saturday, October 1, 1994 at 2 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Poetry Readings by The Dark Room Collective at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Established in Boston in 1988, The Dark Room Collective was first a reading series and later a small community of black poets and writers. The Dark Room Collective's poetry reading at the 1994 conference was held at Grafton-Stovall Theatre, James Madison University on Saturday, October 1, 1994 at 4:15 p.m.
Tape 1 begins with the last 10 minutes of Poetry Reading 5 and The Dark Room Collective reading starts at the 12 minute mark.
This footage was originally recorded on 2 MII videocassettes.
Additional information on the Dark Room Collective can be found here.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Conference Finale for the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. A celebration of black arts and culture, the conference finale featured musical and spoken word performances by Mellasenah Morris, the JMU Contemporary Gospel Singers, Val Gray Ward, and Bernice Johnson Reagon. The Conference Finale was held at Wilson Hall, James Madison University on Saturday, October 1, 1994 at 8 p.m.
This footage was originally recorded on 6 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Supercuts of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring footage from all 3 days of the conference. This footage was originally recorded on 10 MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 1/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from the conference opening session and Critics' Roundtable: African American Poetry and the Vernacular Matrix.
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 2/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from Poetry Reading 1 (Elizabeth Alexander, Gerald Barrax; Toi Derricotte; and E. Ethelbert Miller) and Poetry Reading 2 (Sam Allen, Pinkie Gordon Lane, Haki Madhubuti, Naomi Long Madgett).
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 3/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from Poetry Reading 2 (Naomi Long Madgett) and Poetry Reading 3 (Amiri Baraka, Mari Evans, Michael S. Harper, Sonia Sanchez).
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 4/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from Critics' Roundtable: Critical Theories and Approaches in African American Poetry and the keynote speeches by Rita Dove and Gwendolyn Brooks.
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 5/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring the remainder of Gwendolyn Brooks' keynote speech and selections from Poetry Reading 4 (Dolores Kendrick, Nikki Giovanni, Eugene Redmond).
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 6/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from the Tribute Banquet.
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 7/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from Critics' Roundtable: Writing a Literary History of African American Poetry.
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 8/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from Poetry Reading 5 (Jacqueline Brice-Finch, Gwen Butler, Kalamu ya Salaam, Jeannette Drake, Sybil Kein, Adam David Miller, Brenda Marie Osbey, Fabu Carter, Ester Iverem, Mona Lisa Saloy, and Quo Vadis Gex-Breaux).
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 9/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from The Dark Room Collective: A Fisted Reading.
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Supercut 10/10 of the 1994 Furious Flower Conference, featuring selections from the Conference Finale.
This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Audience footage of Poetry Reading 2 from the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Footage of posters, books, various artifacts, and exhibits at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Audience footage of Critics' Roundtable: Critical Theories and Approaches in African American Poetry from the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Audience footage of Critics' Roundtable: Writing a Literary History of African American Poetry from the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Audience footage of Poetry Reading 5 from the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Interview with E. Ethelbert Miller at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Miller was interviewed by Eugenia Collier in this recording. This footage was originally recorded on MII videocassettes.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Interviews with poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Featured in this video is Eugene Redmond interviewed by Jabari Asim, Major Jackson interviewed by Vera Beatty, Dolores Kendrick interviewed by Judith Thomas. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Interviews with poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Featured in this video is Gerald Barrax interviewed by Joyce Pettis and Nikki Giovanni interviewed by Virginia Fowler. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may request digital video reference copies at the file level through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Interviews with poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Featured in this video is Major Jackson interviewed by Vera Beatty, Dolres Kendrick interviewed by Judith Thomas, Pinkie Gordon Lane interviewed by Sandra Govan, and Michael S. Harper interviewed by Aldon Nielsen. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Interviews with poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Featured in this video is Mari Evans interviewed by Val Gray Ward, Everett Hoagland interviewed by Kalamu ya Salaam, and Sonia Sanchez interviewed by Lorenzo Thomas. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Interviews with poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Featured in this video is Sam Allen interviewed by Jerry Ward, Alvin Aubert interviewed by Lenard Moore, and Amiri Baraka interviewed by Askia Touré. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Interviews with poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Featured in this video is Sherley Anne Williams interviewed by Deborah McDowell. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Interviews with poets at the 1994 Furious Flower Conference. Featured in this video is Toi Derricotte interviewed by Opal Moore, Haki Madhubuti interviewed by Sonia Sanchez, and Naomi Long Madgett interviewed by Eleanor Traylor. This footage was originally recorded on a MII videocassette.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Researchers may access digitized archival audiovisual materials in the JMU Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. Digital files may also be requested through the JMU Special Collections Request System.
Arranged alphabetically.
Materials in this series primarily document the planning and implementation of the 2004 Furious Flower Poetry Conference: Regenerating the Black Poetic Tradition. Records include travel and lodging reservations, correspondence with participating poets, financial documentation and budgets, and mailing lists. Marketing and promotional items such as posters and brochures are included. During the 2004 conference, notable African American scholars including Tony Bolden, Hilary Holladay, and Monifa Love conducted interviews with presenting conference poets including Houston Baker, Rita Dove, and Tony Medina. The corresponding transcripts are included and are particularly significant to African American poetry scholarship. Of particular interest is congratulatory correspondence and RSVP regrets for the 2004 conference from Julian Bond, Governor Mark Warner, Senator George Allen, the office of President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry, President and CEO of the NAACP Kweisi Mfume, and many others. Some of these letters were printed in the official conference program. Also of interest are evaluations completed by conference attendees. Six silk banners used to decorate the Wilson Hall auditorium during the conference are included in this series. The banners are rolled onto dowels and housed in a rolled storage container. Currently, the silk banners may only be requested (in writing) by Furious Flower Poetry Center staff.
Lifetime Achievement Award Banquet for the 2024 Furious Flower Conference at James Madison University. jessica Care moore and Tony Medina hosted the banquet and David Berry provided the music. Furious Flower Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to the following poets: Elizabeth Alexander, Kwame Dawes, Cornelius Eady, Nikky Finney, Lorna Goodison, E. Ethelbert Miller, Harryette Mullen, Niyi Osundare, Timothy Seibles, and Patricia Smith. The banquet was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Opening session and welcome to the participants for the 2024 Furious Flower Conference at James Madison University. A video introduction featuring Afaa M. Weaver opened the session, followed by an in memoriam slideshow. Lauren Alleyne presented an overview of the Furious Flower Poetry Center's work since the 2014 conference. Traci Zimmerman, the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters Dean and interim-Provost, Bob Kolvoord made remarks, and Bethany Nowviskie, Dean of JMU Libraries, gave a presentation about the Mellon Foundation grant partnership between Furious Flower and JMU Libraries. The Opening Session was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 8:15 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Keynote Reading and Conversation with honored poets, Elizabeth Alexander & Kwame Dawes, at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Alexander and Dawes read poetry and engaged in discussion with Shara McCallum and Terrance Hayes. The Keynote Reading and Conversation was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 9:15 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
The Worlds of Black Poetry: Critical Portals, Pathways, and Emergences panel at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference at James Madison University. Keith Leonard, Jahan Ramazani, Evie Shockley, and Mecca Jamilah Sullivan each presented a paper showcasing the depth and breath of the worlds of Black poetry. Topics of discussion included: avant-garde poetry, elegy and Caribbean poetry, Black confessional poetry, Black feminism, and Black queer poetics. This panel was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:15 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
A Decade of Poetic Experiment: 2014 to 2024 panel at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference at James Madison University. Aldon Lynn Nielsen, C.S. Giscombe, Meta DuEwa Jones, Mark McMorris, Duriel E. Harris, and Douglas Kearney engaged in a round table discussion about the past decade in Black poetry. Experimentation by poets and critics is of particular focus during this panel. This discussion was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Furious Flower Poetry Prize Winner & Honorable Mention Reading at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Winner, Michelle Alexander, Honorable Mention, Raejeana Brooks, and judge, Roger Reeves, read poetry and answered questions from the audience. The Furious Flower Poetry Prize Winner & Honorable Mention Reading was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Black Universe I: Featured Poets Reading at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. This reading featured the following prominent Black poets from across the world: Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Camille T. Dungy, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Malika Booker, Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, Tyehimba Jess, Remica Bingham-Risher, Matthew Shenoda, Lillian-Yvonne Bertram, Cornelius Eady, Frank X. Walker, and Nikky Finney. The Black Universe I: Featured Poets Reading was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Dear Yusef: Celebrating the Life & Work of Poet & Professor Yusef Komunyakaa panel at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Lynne Thompson, Joel Dias-Porter, Linda Susan Jackson, and Dante Micheaux discussed a new anthology entitled "Dear Yusef." Panelists also shared their personal experiences working with Yusef Kumanyaka and read poetry from the anthology. The session closed with the presenters answering audience questions. This panel was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 8:15 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Walk With Me: Freedom Fighter's Homage presentation and performance at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. The session featured a discussion, live performances, and answering questions from the audience. The performance itself examined the long road to freedom for Black people in America and included song, spoken word poetry, and dance. This session was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 9:45 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Laureate Reading and Conversation at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Rita Dove, Poet Laureate of the United States, 1993-1995, introduced poet laureates from across the country and moderated a conversation after the readings. Featured poets included: Angela Jackson (Illinois), Curtis Crisler (Indiana), Amanda Johnston (Texas), avery r. young (Chicago, IL), and Glenis Redmond (Greenville, SC). The Laureate Reading and Conversation was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:15 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Magnitude & Bond: A Preview of a Field Study on Black Literary Organizations panel at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Lisa Willis, Candace G. Wiley, Nichelle M. Hayes, and Duriel E. Harris discussed the Magnitude and Bond field study. The presenters represented four organizations that are participating in the field study: Cave Canem, The Watering Hole, Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), and Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora. The group conversed about why the field study is important, positives and negatives they have experienced as leaders of Black literary arts organizations, and how organizations were chosen for the field study. The session closed with a questions from the audience. This panel was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Black Universe II: Featured Poets Reading at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. This reading featured the following prominent Black poets from across the world: Ross Gay, Erica Hunt, francine j. harris, Roger Reeves, DaMaris Hill, Efe Paul Azino, Merle Collins, Danez Smith, Tara Betts, A. B. Spellman, Lorna Goodison, E. Ethelbert Miller, and Harryette Mullen. The Black Universe II: Featured Poets Reading was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Growing a New Garden: Furious Flowering in Classrooms panel at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Panelists Anastacia-Reneé, allia abdullah-matta, Brian Hannon, Carmin Wong, and Keisha-Gaye Anderson discussed the Furious Flower Syllabus project, an open access syllabus for a range of educational contexts. Each presenter highlighted their favorite poem featured in the project curriculum, conversed about creating the syllabus, and expressed the importance of such an undertaking. This panel was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 8:15 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Black Universe III: Featured Poets Reading at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. This reading featured the following prominent Black poets from across the world: Kei Miller, Shara McCallum, Tim Seibles, Anastacia Renée, Gregory Pardlo. Joanne Gabbin introduced each poet with a personally written haiku. The Black Universe III: Featured Poets Reading was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 9:45 a.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Black Joy in Song performance at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Sonya Gabrielle Baker, Albert Lee, and Jeremiah Padilla performed poetry set to music, incorporating both vocal and instrumental music. This performance was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
A Vital History: The Cambridge Anthology Roundtable at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Panelists Matt Sandler, Carlyn Ferrari, Marta Werbanowska, McKinley Melton, Annette Debo, and Emily Ruth Rutter discussed an upcoming anthology. Each panelist described their essay from the anthology, including topics such as Black poets of the abolition movement, Black women poets, the Black eco-poetic tradition, elegy, and more. The session concluded with a panel discussion and audience questions. This panel was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Black Universe IV: Featured Poets Reading at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. This reading featured the following prominent Black poets from across the world: Terrance Hayes, Evie Shockley, Niyi Osundare, Canisia Lubrin, Patricia Smith, and Kwame Dawes. Lauren Alleyne closed the session by reading a new poem. The Black Universe IV: Featured Poets Reading was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Closing Remarks for the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Lauren Alleyne, the Executive Director of the Furious Flower Poetry Center, concluded the conference by expressing gratitude for everyone involved with the event in some way. This event was held in the Festival Ballroom at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Interview with Camille Dungy, Ross Gay, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, and Niyi Osundare at the 2024 Furious Flower conference. Nate Marshall moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme Black planet. The group discussed the relationship between Black identity and the environment, how crafting poetry allows them to explore new relationships with the natural world, and what the worlds of Black poetry mean to them. The interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Erica Hunt, A.B. Spellman, and Glenis Redmond at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Keisha-Gaye Anderson moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme life in poetry. The group discussed why they chose poetry, pivotal moments in their careers, the role of community and collaboration in their development as poets, advice for emerging poets, lessons learned, and what the worlds of Black poetry mean to them. The interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Malika Booker, Danez Smith, and Frank X. Walker at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Keith Leonard moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme collectives and community. The group discussed why it is important to be involved in their respective communities or collectives, the importance of inter-generational connections, and what the worlds of Black poetry mean to them. The interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Anastacia Renée, Canisia Lubrin, and Lillian Yvonne Bertram at the 2024 Furious Flower conference. Mecca Jamilah Sullivan moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme poetic experimentation. The group discussed what poetic experimentation means to them, the experience of experimentation, what is lost when discussing the process of experimentation, and what the worlds of black poetry mean to them. The interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Evie Shockley, Remica Bingham-Risher, Terrance Hayes, and DaMaris Hill at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Meta DuEwa Jones moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme creative scholarship. The group discussed what scholarship means to them, how the market does or does not affect their work, their collaborative practices, the worlds of black poetry as they relate to their scholarly, creative, and critical work, and finding joy in their work. The interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Matthew Shenoda, Efe Paul Azino, and Patricia Jabbeh Wesley at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. Gbenga Adesina moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme continental conversations. The group discussed diasporic influences, how their work may shape poetry moving forward, and the books or projects they currently working on. This interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Tara Betts, avery r. young, Danez Smith, and Mahogany L. Browne at the 2024 Furious Flower Conference. McKinley Melton moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme performance. The group discussed what the worlds of Black poetry mean to them, how they see their work engaging in the expansiveness of poetic performance, the best lessons they have learned from their time as poets and performers, and what it means to be at Furious Flower. This interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Tyehimba Jess, francine j. harris, jessica Care moore and Airea D. Matthews at the 2024 Furious Flower conference. Ajanaé Dawkins moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme Detroit conversations. Each poet read one of their poems, discussed how the school of Detroit poetry shaped them, and talked about the evolution of Detroit poetry. This interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Lorna Goodison, Merle Collins, Kei Miller, and Malika Booker at the 2024 Furious Flower conference. Jahan Ramazani moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme Caribbean conversations. The group discussed Caribbean identity, diasporic identity, the distinctiveness of the Caribbean experience, and what the worlds of Black poetry mean to them. This interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Interview with Roger Reeves, Jericho Brown, and Gregory Pardlo at the 2024 Furious Flower conference. Curtis Crisler moderated the conversation, posing questions about the theme Black masculinity. The group discussed their definitions of Black masculinity, how they show vulnerability in their poetry, and what the worlds of Black poetry mean to them. This interview was recorded in the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Copyright for official University records is held by James Madison University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access to this item is currently restricted for off campus researchers. For more information contact library-special@jmu.edu.
Original audiovisual and media are in process and not available pending reformatting.