The commonwealth has a new poet laureate, the Kentucky Arts Council announced Friday.
Crystal Wilkinson will be inducted to the role as part of the Kentucky Writers’ Day celebration. The virtual ceremony will be held 10 a.m. April 23 on the Kentucky Arts Council’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
A native of Indian Creek, Kentucky, Wilkinson teaches at the University of Kentucky and is a founding member of the Affrilachian Poet movement. Her work primarily involves the stories of Black women and communities in the Appalachian and rural Southern literary canon. She’s the author of three books of fiction — “The Birds of Opulence,” “Water Street” and “Blackberries, Blackberries.” Her first collection of poetry, “Perfect Black,” will be published in August.
Wilkinson is the first Black woman to be appointed as the state’s poet laureate, according to the KAC release. She has received an Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship from the Kentucky Arts Council for her work in literary arts.
“It feels glorious to be named Kentucky Poet Laureate. It feels like a validation of my life’s work,” Wilkinson said in the release. “I feel very proud as a woman of letters in the state. When I looked at the list, it’s wonderful to be a part of that legacy. Sena Naslund was a mentor for a number of years. James Baker Hall was an advocate for my work. George Ella [Lyon] also has advocated for my work. Certainly Frank [X Walker] and Gurney [Norman] are others I value.
“It feels like coming home to be part of the legacy of Kentucky letters.”
During her tenure as poet laureate, Wilkinson said she wants to hear the stories of her fellow Kentuckians from all walks of life. She also hopes to be an inspiration to young people with an eye toward a career in writing, in addition to connecting with seniors.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
