An Evening with Joy Harjo: Women’s Empowerment, Indigenous Poetry, and Native Literature

Denison University’s Laura C. Harris Series and Beck Series presents an evening with Joy Harjo: Women’s Empowerment, Indigenous Poetry, and Native Literature. Harjo is the first Native American United States Poet Laureate and the second to hold this position for three terms (2019-2022). Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo is an internationally known award-winning poet, writer, performer, and saxophone player of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She is the author of nine books of poetry and a memoir. Harjo just published a Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry, “When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through” (2020), and her memoir, “Poet Warrior” (2021).

Harjo will read from her work, inviting us to travel along the heartaches, losses, and humble realizations of her “poet-warrior” road. She will read poems and share stories of her life, including what she has learned during her time as 23rd United States Poet Laureate.

Reading followed by Q&A with Denison University English Professors David Baker and Linda Krumholz. Harjo will sign books available for sale after the event.