Frank X Walker
Artist and Activist [Art] is the perfect thing to learn to appreciate different cultures, to bring people together who wouldnt normally socialize together. They might all come to the same exhibit, or reading or pick up the same book. I think its that powerful. Frank X Walker, Ace Magazine
A Few Facts… Born in 1961 in Danville, Ky. to Faith and Frank Walker, Sr. Graduate of UK and Spalding Universitys MFA in Writing Program Authored 4 Poetry Collections Program Coordinator for University of Kentuckys Martin Luther King Cultural Center Former Founder and Director of the Bluegrass Black Arts Consortium Creative Writing Instructor at Carnegie Learning Center Arts Director of the Roots Heritage Festival Director of the Kentucky Governors School for the Arts Co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets Co-produced award-winning documentary Coal Black Voices
Affrilachia (af.ruh.LAY.shun) adj. Relating to an African-American who lives in Appalachia. Also: Afrilachian. – Affrilachia n. What began as a word has become a literary movement filled with powerful voices, whether their writing is personal or political. Jackie Demaline,The Cincinnati Enquirer
Affrilachian Poets The point Im trying to make is, that what I choose to talk about as an artist, and what I represent, is as important to people who dont look like me as to those who do. It challenges stereotypes; it offers another image. Frank X Walker, Ace Magazine
Affrilachia Selected Readings: Wishbone – p. 7 Red Handed – p. 65 Affrilachia – p. 92 Published: 2000, Kentucky Librarians Choice Award Nominee
Buffalo Dance Published: 2003, Winner of Lillian Smith Book Award Selected Readings: Wind Talker – p. 1 Work Ethic – p. 3 Gods House – p. 4 Primer – p. 6 Wasicum Sapa – p. 16 Work Song – p. 24 Unravel – P. 59 Ursa Major – P. 67
Educational Vision I also accept the dual responsibility of existing as a teaching artist and making a commitment to the identification and development of the next generation of young writers and artists. Frank X Walker, Artist Statement