Lauren Alleyne interviewed by Qyaira Colbert, 2019

Creator:

Alleyne, Lauren K., Colbert, Qyaira, Chang, Angelina Ingrassia, and Nemergut, Margaret

Extent:

522 Megabytes 1 digital file and 00:30:12 Duration (HH:MM:SS.mmm)

Scope and content:

Records an interview with Lauren K. Alleyne, Executive Director of the Furious Flower Poetry Center (FFPC) at James Madison University, who describes the center's operations, programming, and significance as the first academic center dedicated to Black poetry in the United States. The interview documents her responsibilities as editor-in-chief of the online journal "The Fight and The Fiddle," including fundraising, grant writing, and planning seminars, reading series, and other public programs. Discusses major events such as the "Throw Your Head Back & Sing" tribute to Maya Angelou and the Furious Flower 25th anniversary celebration; community engagement initiatives including children's summer arts camps, school visits, and regional collaborations; and institutional challenges related to budget, staffing, space, and campus visibility. Addresses the center's national and international profile, its relationship to JMU and the Harrisonburg community, and tensions between local recognition and national prominence in promoting Black poetry.

Language:

English

Physical facet:

(.wav)

Names:

Furious Flower Poetry Center
Alleyne, Lauren K.
Colbert, Qyaira
Chang, Angelina Ingrassia
Nemergut, Margaret

Access and use