Writers, poets and performers took to the stage recently at Chicago State University's "An Exceeding Sun: The 21st Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Writer's Conference. "
The three-day conference welcomed established and up-and-coming African-American authors and writers for an opportunity to share their passion, work, and craft to the general public. The conference kicked off with the world premiere of The Faggot Who Could Fly, an intimate, telling one-woman transgender performance by KOKUMO. In her performance, KOKUMO offered guests a chilling look into her life as a transgendered woman of color.
"My story is about being resilient because it gets better. It's absolutely liberating to reveal my life on stage," said KOKUMO.
Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing Director Quraysh Ali Lansana said that the conference not only provides a home for Brooks' work, but also reflects her "all-inclusive and embracing" nature. As an accomplished author and professor, Lansana added that because of the openness of the annual event, LGBT authors and writers are encouraged to share their work and experiences to audiences.
"The conference has always been LGBT-friendly. It's a part of who we are. Art should make you think, not tell you what to think," said Lansana.
The three-day writers' event featured special readings, live music, open-mic poetry competitions and panelist discussions from renowned writers such as Nikky Finney and Thomas Sayers Ellis. Ellis, who is also a photographer, is most famous for his politically charged poetry and his community activism. His work has appeared in journals and anthologies, including Callaloo, Best American Poetry and other major publications. Finney, a fellow poet and writer, has appeared on Russell Simmons' HBO Series DEF Poetry and National Public Radio. Her work has been praised by notables such as Nikki Giovanni and the late CBS/60 Minutes news anchor Ed Bradley.
Guest Steve Paris has been an active supporter of the annual Brooks Writers' Conference for the past 10 years. According to Paris, it's the people and art that keeps him coming back.
"I keep coming back to the conference because I have a background and love for African American studies," he said. "The conference has done a great job of showcasing cutting-edge literature. It's a part of making our community more vibrant and keeps tradition going."
Lansana felt that this was a great year for writing and poetry for the Gwendolyn Brooks Writers Conference and that each artist brought something unique and different to the stage.
"When looking for writers and artists to feature in the conference, I'm always more interested in the message and aesthetic," said Lansana. "Social justice is important, but not at the expense of craft. I'm not interested in dogma."
