2008 Woodie Awards
Leadbelly: Poet brings FAMU knowledge & soul
Josh King
Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: Lifestyles
Florida A&M University experienced a day of poetry and uncut wisdom on Monday from Tyehimba Jess, the author of the award-winning poetry book, "Leadbelly."
After reciting a soulful and uplifting piece from his poetry collection, Jess left the audience thrown because his soft-spoken voice and conservative appearance didn't match his thunderous performance.
Jess said his poems incorporated questions, ensuring that his readers can respond and engage in them. To execute this idea, all of his poems are written in first person.
"I want to get past that persons' judgment and see into their heads and see how they rationalize," Jess said.
Jess also spoke on the influence of hip-hop in poetry.
"It's critical to understand where the music is coming from and its influence on literature," Jess said.
Before Jess ended his session, he left the audience with instructions on how to write poetry.
"It's OK to write the first thing that comes to your head, but make sure you go back and revise the lump of clay with the education you receive from school," Jess said. "If you want to write well you're going to have to equip yourself."
Audience members saluted Jess' work with positive feedback.
"I thought it [poetry session] was a huge success. Everyone responded to his readings," said Kristine Snodgrass, an English professor at FAMU.
Snodgrass said it is good to have a perspective of the poet's craft.
"When you listen in on poetry sessions you learn more about the subject of the book," Snodgrass said.
The poem featuring the book's namesake, "Leadbelly," stood out to some participants.
"He took a historical figure and gave him emotions that most people wouldn't expect," said Brandon Neasman, a sophomore magazine production student from Wilmington, Del. "It was a real interesting twist that was added to poetry."
Neasman, 19, said Jess really gave the crowd something to think about.
After reciting a soulful and uplifting piece from his poetry collection, Jess left the audience thrown because his soft-spoken voice and conservative appearance didn't match his thunderous performance.
Jess said his poems incorporated questions, ensuring that his readers can respond and engage in them. To execute this idea, all of his poems are written in first person.
"I want to get past that persons' judgment and see into their heads and see how they rationalize," Jess said.
Jess also spoke on the influence of hip-hop in poetry.
"It's critical to understand where the music is coming from and its influence on literature," Jess said.
Before Jess ended his session, he left the audience with instructions on how to write poetry.
"It's OK to write the first thing that comes to your head, but make sure you go back and revise the lump of clay with the education you receive from school," Jess said. "If you want to write well you're going to have to equip yourself."
Audience members saluted Jess' work with positive feedback.
"I thought it [poetry session] was a huge success. Everyone responded to his readings," said Kristine Snodgrass, an English professor at FAMU.
Snodgrass said it is good to have a perspective of the poet's craft.
"When you listen in on poetry sessions you learn more about the subject of the book," Snodgrass said.
The poem featuring the book's namesake, "Leadbelly," stood out to some participants.
"He took a historical figure and gave him emotions that most people wouldn't expect," said Brandon Neasman, a sophomore magazine production student from Wilmington, Del. "It was a real interesting twist that was added to poetry."
Neasman, 19, said Jess really gave the crowd something to think about.
Be the first to comment on this story