By Sandra F. Beckard, Speakin’ Out News staff writer
In 1973, famous author and poet Margaret Walker (Alexander) established the first Phyllis Wheatley Poetry Festival to pay homage to Wheatley’s legacy of being the first Black woman to publish a book of poetry and also to celebrate Black women from all over the country who were then writing in her tradition.
Walker, a long-time English professor at Jackson State University (JSU), is known for her acclaimed novel, Jubilee, and her most famous poem, “For My People.” She founded In 1973, famous author and poet Margaret Walker (Alexander) established the first Phyllis Wheatley Poetry Festival to pay homage to Wheatley’s legacy of being the first Black woman to publish a book of poetry and also to celebrate Black women from all over the country who were then writing in her tradition.
Walker, a long-time English professor at Jackson State University (JSU), is known for her acclaimed novel, Jubilee, and her most famous poem, “For My People.” She founded In 1973, famous author and poet Margaret Walker (Alexander) established the first Phyllis Wheatley Poetry Festival to pay homage to Wheatley’s legacy of be- ing the first Black woman to publish a book of poetry and also to celebrate Black women from all over the country who were then writing in her tradition.
Walker, a long-time English professor at Jackson State University (JSU), is known for her acclaimed novel, Jubilee, and her most famous poem, “For My People.” She founded Jesmyn Ward.
Alabama A&M University’s Dr. Charlotte Teague was an invited chair and panelist at the event, where she presented her research on sisterhood and mentorship among Black women writers. Teague noted that the festival’s highlight for her was meeting Alice Walk- er, whose Pulitzer Prize- winning novel, The Color Purple, was the foundation for her dissertation research and much of her scholarship. She also not- ed that meeting actress Dr. Tonea Stewart and famous novelist Jesmyn Ward, whose novel “Let Us Descend” was selected for Oprah’s Book Club 2023, was highlighted as well.
Teague described the festival as extreme “Black Girl Magic” and remarked how, during the conference, the entire city of Jackson was full of Black joy and excellence. She also commented about the phenomenal job that Jackson State University did hosting the event and welcoming everyone to Jackson for the impactful celebration of literary brilliance. “To be a part of such a momentous occasion was a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity, and I feel so honored, blessed, and empowered!”
Teague is an associate professor and chairperson for English and Foreign Languages at Alabama A&M University, where she has taught for more than 18 years.