Themester

Coal Black Voices, a documentary that gives glimpses of life in the American Black South and Appalachian region, is what producer Frank X Walker considers an intimate mosaic of images, poetry, and storytelling by an ensemble of writers who challenge notions of an all-white Appalachian region and culture. 

Kwong will moderate a panel discussion with Affrilachian poets. The conversation will explore issues of diversity, race, history, and healing. A poetry reading with guests Frank X Walker, Amy M. Alvarez, Mitchell L. H. Douglas follows the discussion.  

"Hopefully, there is something in the three-part public program that resonates with every student, but especially for anyone who has ever questioned the validity and value of their identity," Kwong said. "It is because of the Affrilachian Poets that I gained the courage to claim my own AppalAsian identity circa 2008. They showed me how to make a path where none existed before, and they’ve done that for so many writers of color from Appalachia and beyond." 

On Saturday, Walker will lead "Poem as Photograph," a creative writing masterclass. Walker plans to use memory, research, imagination, and empathy to capture the magic of photography on the page. Registration is required for this event.  

"I hope attendees will walk away with a strong sense of the diversity in Appalachia and that our discussions spark reflections on their own relationships with family, identity, place, social justice, and/or history," said Kwong. "Even though Appalachia might be new to some audience members, I hope they recognize the shared humanity in everyone’s experiences." 

The Coal Black Voices screening takes place at Maxwell Hall on Nov. 4, followed by the Affrilachian Poets panel discussion and poetry reading on Nov. 5. Walker's masterclass, "Poem as Photograph," also takes place at Maxwell Hall on Nov. 5, and registration is required for this event. For more information about these events, visit Themester’s News + Events website.